ZIMBA, PAUL V.1* and ANGELA WULFF2. 1U.S.D.A./A.R.S., PO Box 38, Stoneville, MS 38776; 2Dept. of Marine Ecology, Goteborg University, PO Box 461, Goteborg, Sweden. - Mycosporines: Detection Methodologies and Assessment.
Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are found in a variety of
prokaryotic and eucaryotic algae, as well as higher plants, fungi, and
animals. These compounds function as a photoprotective sunscreen to
prevent ultra-violet light damage. MAAs may thus be one of the
competitive advantages that facilitated development of ozone (by
oxytrophs), and thereby may be a competitive advantage for the
proliferation of cyanobacteria and other harmful algal species.
Numerous difficulties exist with assessment of MAAs, including
identification of the compounds, conversion of isomers during HPLC
preparation as a result of pH shifts, as well as the ecological
implications of the presence, concentration, and forms of these
compounds (see J. Phycology 35: for relevant papers). This symposium
will provide opportunities for inter-calibration of laboratories
involved in MAA analyses, suggestions regarding standardization of
extraction protocols, as well as results from field and laboratory
based studies.
Key words: macroalgae, microalgae, mycosporine-like amino acids