Dataset Information

Helical Microstructures of the Mineralized Coralline Red Algae Determine Their Mechanical Properties.

ABSTRACT: Through controlled biomineralization, organisms yield complicated structures with specific functions. Here, Jania sp., an articulated coralline red alga that secretes high-Mg calcite as part of its skeleton, is in focus. It is shown that Jania sp. exhibits a remarkable structure, which is highly porous (with porosity as high as 64 vol%) and reveals several hierarchical orders from the nano to the macroscale. It is shown that the structure is helical, and proven that its helical configuration provides the alga with superior compliance that allows it to adapt to stresses in its natural environment. Thus, the combination of high porosity and a helical configuration result in a sophisticated, light-weight, compliant structure. It is anticipated that the findings on the advantages of such a structure are likely to be of value in the design or improvement of lightweight structures with superior mechanical properties.

SUBMITTER: Bianco-Stein N

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7284203 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Helical Microstructures of the Mineralized Coralline Red Algae Determine Their Mechanical Properties.

Bianco-Stein Nuphar N Polishchuk Iryna I Seiden Gabriel G Villanova Julie J Rack Alexander A Zaslansky Paul P Pokroy Boaz B

Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) 20200421 11

Through controlled biomineralization, organisms yield complicated structures with specific functions. Here, <i>Jania</i> sp., an articulated coralline red alga that secretes high-Mg calcite as part of its skeleton, is in focus. It is shown that <i>Jania</i> sp. exhibits a remarkable structure, which is highly porous (with porosity as high as 64 vol%) and reveals several hierarchical orders from the nano to the macroscale. It is shown that the structure is helical, and proven that its helical con ...[more]

PMID: 32537417

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Project description:BackgroundRed coralline algae are critical components of tropical reef systems, and their success and development is, at least in part, dependent on photosynthesis. However, natural variability in the photosynthetic characteristics of red coralline algae is poorly understood. This study investigated diurnal variability in encrusting Porolithon sp. and free-living Lithophyllum kotschyanum. Measured parameters included: photosynthetic characteristics, pigment composition, thallus reflectance and intracellular concentrations of dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP), an algal antioxidant that is derived from methionine, an indirect product of photosynthesis. L. kotschyanum thalli were characterised by a bleached topside and a pigmented underside.ResultsMinimum saturation intensity and intracellular DMSP concentrations in Porolithon sp. were characterised by significant diurnal patterns in response to the high-light regime. A smaller diurnal pattern in minimum saturation intensity in the topside of L. kotschyanum was also evident. The overall reflectance of the topside of L. kotschyanum also exhibited a diurnal pattern, becoming increasingly reflective with increasing ambient irradiance. The underside of L. kotschyanum, which is shaded from ambient light exposure, exhibited a much smaller diurnal variability.ConclusionsThis study highlights a number of dynamic photoinhibition strategies adopted by coralline algae, enabling them to tolerate, rather than be inhibited by, the naturally high irradiance of tropical reef systems; a factor that may become more important in the future under global change projections. In this context, this research has significant implications for tropical reef management planning and conservation monitoring, which, if natural variability is not taken into account, may become flawed. The information provided by this research may be used to inform future investigations into the contribution of coralline algae to reef accretion, ecosystem service provision and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction.

Dataset Information

Helical Microstructures of the Mineralized Coralline Red Algae Determine Their Mechanical Properties.

Publications

Helical Microstructures of the Mineralized Coralline Red Algae Determine Their Mechanical Properties.

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