Coral Reef Protein Synthesis and neighboring Mangroves

11/13/2019

Coral Reef Protein Synthesis and neighboring Mangroves

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Key Words

Protein Synthesis

Stem Cells

Mitosis

Cell Differentiation

Trophic levels

Food Web

Coral Reef

Mangroves

Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)

A protein is a chain of amino acids

Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) is made up of Amino Acids:

S65 (Serine 65), Y66 (Tyrosine 66), and G67 (Glycine 67)

When these amino acids are close together and are exposed to oxygen they release energy and this fluoresces

min 3:00

GFP as a Reporter Gene

About the starfish and the regeneration of the body

During embryonic development, most of an animal's cells take on a particular identity--they become blood cells, lung cells, bone cells, or whatever.

This is called differentiation, and differentiated cells almost always keep their new identities forever.

A special type of cell called a stem cell sometimes remains behind without a particular identity. Stem cells can be thought of as "permanently immature" cells that can decide later what fate to take on. (Stem cells in your skin are what make you able to heal after you've been cut or bruised.)

Starfish, if you ever look closely at one, have a central region of the body from which the limbs arise. If a limb is severed, a new one (small) appears in the central region, and extends outward. I also know that starfish limbs can regenerate the central region (and thus all of the other limbs) as well.

http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=681

COral Reef Ecosystems are connected to Mangroves

Mangrove forests are coastal wetlands that create a sanctuary for an extraordinary range of creatures, 3/4 of all tropical fish are born here and countless reptiles and birds call this ecosystem home. They filter nutrients and toxins out of the water, provide protection in extreme weather, and are one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet.

Mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs work as a single system that keeps coastal zones healthy. Mangroves provide essential habitat for thousands of species. They also stabilize shorelines, preventing erosion and protecting the land — and the people who live there — from waves and storms. The reefs protect the seagrass beds and mangroves from strong ocean waves.

https://www.amnh.org/explore/videos/biodiversity/mangroves-the-roots-of-the-sea/why-mangroves-matter