In:
Journal of Experimental Biology, The Company of Biologists, Vol. 209, No. 9 ( 2006-05-01), p. 1690-1695
Abstract:
Clonal integration in the coral Lobophyllia corymbosa was studied from two perspectives: transfer of carbon among clonemates and allorecognition. This coral forms colonies in the early post-metamorphic stages. In later ontogeny, the tissues interconnecting polyps die,transforming the colony into a clone of solitary polyps. These polyps continue to live in close proximity but without tissue continuity. Isolated polyps labeled with radioactive carbon in the light showed oriented transfer of assimilates towards adjacent, injured polyps. No significant transfer of carbon was observed towards intact, isogeneic polyps or allogeneic polyps. Grafting of coral tissues resulted in intra-clonal fusion, but only when polyps were previously sectioned. Allogeneic sectioned grafts were always rejected. Intact polyps were unresponsive towards isogeneic and allogeneic counterparts when grafted. Our results show that isolated Lobophylliapolyps not only recognize their clonemates as such, but also help them when necessary, although no tissue continuity exists between them.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1477-9145
,
0022-0949
Language:
English
Publisher:
The Company of Biologists
Publication Date:
2006
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1482461-9
SSG:
12
