Abstract
The aim of the proposed project is to investigate potential reasons for the success of the exotic red alga Gracilaria vermiculophylla. It will focus on a possible inducible chemical defence in the alga, which was recently introduced to Sweden. Since this introduction it seems to rapidly expand and poses a threat to native species. Because well-defended seaweeds are most likely to become invasive, studies on potential chemical resistance in G. vermiculophylla against natural enemies in its new environment are important in order to predict the invasion success of the alga and to outline protocols for its containment. I aim to use a mechanistic approach to study defence responses occurring in G. vermiculophylla when interacting with herbivores and fouling organisms. Specifically, I will study changes in metabolic profiles and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites following exposure to herbivores and fouling organisms. In parallel I aim to compare grazing and antifouling properties in bioassays with crude extracts and purified metabolites that were obtained after the same elicitation treatments and with un-elicited controls. Furthermore, I want to elucidate the nature of signals that trigger defence responses in G. vermiculophylla. One important objective of this application is also to learn methods for measuring metabolic responses in marine organisms in general, using the tools of modern bioorganic chemistry.
Sweden