Sesquiterpene variability in the gorgonian genus Plexaurella.
Gorgonian corals have proven to be a prolific source of a variety of biologically active terpenes. Corals of the genus Plexaurella are known to be the source of a diverse array of sesquiterpenes, and past reports have indicated variability in terpene content. This study involved an examination of the terpene chemistry of 109 individuals of five of the six known species of this genus in an attempt to identify links between sesquiterpene chemistry and species, location and depth. The data indicated a high level of variability of sesquiterpene content and essentially no correlation between species and sesquiterpene chemistry. There was also no correlation between location or depth and sesquiterpene content. We therefore conclude that Plexaurella spp. are chemically indistinguishable species with respect to terpene chemistry.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry & Center of Excellence in Biomedical and Marine Biotechnology, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.
Jamie L
JL
Frenz-Ross
Russell G
RG
Kerr
D000818:Animals; D037421:Anthozoa / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000145:classification; D001444:Bahamas; D019755:Carbon-Carbon Lyases / Q000032:analysis*; D017753:Ecosystem; D005431:Florida; D009792:Oceans and Seas; D013045:Species Specificity
D019755:Carbon-Carbon Lyases; C051130:trichodiene synthetase