Algal Chemical Ecology

ISBN-13: 9783540741800 / Angielski / Twarda / 2007 / 313 str.

Charles D. Amsler

Opis

Studies of biotic interactions of algae that involve chemical defenses or signals are currently vibrant, active components of both marine ecological and phycological research. This field is rapidly growing, not only by delving deeper into relatively well-known aspects such as secondary metabolite defenses of tropical and temperate macroalgae to herbivores but also by broadening such work into new habitats and by expanding the field to include many other aspects of the chemical interactions of algae with other organisms or with their environments. This book has attempted to span the breadth of algal chemical ecology from the perspective of basic ecology. To keep it of manageable length, its scope is restricted primarily to ecological aspects of the field and in doing so, it is unfortunate that a great deal of excellent work in applied areas of algal chemical ecology could not be included. Likewise, algal natural products chemistry is not emphasized in most chapters but the book begins with an introduction to the chemistry of algal defenses that is intended as a primer on natural products chemistry for algal ecologists. In addition, although intended to be broad, it could not be so comprehensively and consequently each author was asked to highlight new areas of research and simply refer a reader to previously published reviews where appropriate.

Recenzje

From the reviews of the hardcover edition:

"The chemical protections evolved by a great number of algae and how they affect the ecology where they live is the focus of this book. ... Amsler (Univ. of Alabama) has compiled a highly detailed and referenced scholarly synthesis of the current state of knowledge in this important field of study ... . Valuable for libraries collecting the top references related to the aquatic environment. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students through professionals in aquatic ecology." (C. W. Schneider, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (9), 2008)

"Algal Chemical Ecology is the first book to synthesize the relatively young but quickly growing body of knowledge relating to algal chemistry. ... It is an invaluable resource for those who study, want to study, or simply have an interest in algal ecology. ... The authors create a clear picture of algal secondary metabolites and the implications this has on their interactions ... . Researchers and students of algae, and aquatic ecology in general, would be well served to read this book." (Jason R. Graff, Clean, Vol. 36 (3), 2008)

Spis treści

1. The chemistry of algal secondary metabolism by J. Alan Maschek and Bill J. Baker* 2. Macroalgal chemical defenses and their roles in structuring tropical marine communities by Renato Crespo Pereira* and Bernardo Antonio Perez da Gama 3. Macroalgal chemical defenses and their roles in structuring temperate marine communities by Veijo Jormalainen* and Tuija Honkanen 4. Macroalgal chemical defenses in polar marine communities by Charles D. Amsler*, James B. McClintock, and Bill J. Baker 5. Macroalgal and cyanobacterial chemical defenses in freshwater communities by Frank A. Camacho 6. New perspectives for addressing patterns of secondary metabolites in marine macroalgae by Karen N. Pelletreau and Nancy M. Targett* 7. Macroalgal models in testing and extending defense theories by Henrik Pavia* and Gunilla B. Toth 8. Ecological and physiological roles of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and DMSP cleavage in marine macroalgae by Kathryn L. Van Alstyne 9. Influence of algal secondary metabolites on plankton community structure by Georg Pohnert 10. Herbivore offense in the sea: the detoxification and transport of secondary metabolites by Erik E. Sotka* and Kristen E. Whalen 11. Secondary metabolite defenses against pathogens and biofoulers by Amy L. Lane and Julia Kubanek* 12. Oxidative burst and related responses in biotic interactions of algae by Philippe Potin 13. Defense strategies of algae and cyanobacteria against solar ultraviolet radiation by Ulf Karsten 14. Algal sensory chemical ecology by Charles D. Amsler

Blurb

This is the first ever book devoted entirely to the chemical ecology of algae. Algae from both marine and freshwater habitats are covered, as are macroalgae (seaweeds) and microalgae (including phytoplankton). While its main emphasis is on the ecological rather than chemical aspects of the field, the book also includes a unique introductory chapter intended as a primer on algal natural products chemistry for ecologists. It elucidates the roles of chemical defenses in various regions and habitats, of DMSP, oxidative burst responses, and herbivore offense. Topics such as algal sensory chemical ecology and defenses against ultraviolet radiation are also treated, and an introduction to the chemical ecology of phytoplankton is provided.

Focusing on recent advances and also on topics particularly useful for undergraduate and graduate level courses, Algal Chemical Ecology is designed for research biologists working in the field as well as marine ecologists and algal biologists seeking an introductory guide.