Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Effects Of Environmental Factors On Dimethylated Sulfur Compounds And Their Potential Role In The Antioxidant System Of The Coral Holobiont, Elisabeth Deschaseaux, Graham Jones, Myrna Deseo, Kellie Shepherd, R Kiene, H Swan, Peter Harrison, Bradley Eyre

Dr Myrna A Deseo

Biogenic dimethylsulfide (DMS) and its main precursors, dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), are potential scavengers of reactive oxygen species in marine algae, and these dimethylated sulfur compounds (DSC) could take part in the algal antioxidant system. In this study, a link between the DSC production and the antioxidant capacity (AOC) of Acropora aspera reef coral was investigated under a range of environmental factors (temperature, light, salinity, and air exposure) that can lead to oxidative stress in the coral holobiont. Enhanced DMS(P)(O) production occurred under experimental conditions, indicating that DSC are potential biomarkers of stress level in coral tissue. Differences in …