Solar powered vertebrate (through symbiosis with algae)

I didn't know that algae could actually live inside the cells of embryos and act as internal power stations. It turns out that the embryos may also be taking glucose from the algae, as shown by a study where salamander eggs were incubated in water containing radioactive carbon-14. The embryos only became radioactive when exposed to light, indicating that they were taking in the carbon-14 through photosynthesis in the algae. This discovery sheds light on the unique relationship between salamanders and algae. In summary, a study found that salamander embryos may be using algae as a source of fuel and energy, as shown by their ability to take in radioactive carbon-14 through photosynthesis in the algae.
  • #1
Pythagorean
Gold Member
4,400
312
A close examination of [salamander] eggs revealed that some of the algae were living within the embryos themselves, and in some cases were actually inside embryonic cells. That suggested the embryos weren't just taking oxygen from the algae: they might be taking glucose too. In other words, the algae were acting as internal power stations, generating fuel for the salamanders.

To find out if that was happening, Erin Graham of Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and colleagues incubated salamander eggs in water containing radioactive carbon-14. Algae take up the isotope in the form of carbon dioxide, producing radioactive glucose.

Graham found that the embryos became mildly radioactive – unless kept in the dark. That showed that the embryos could only take in the carbon-14 via photosynthesis in the algae.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn23090-zoologger-the-first-solarpowered-vertebrate.html
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
Wow that's pretty interesting.
 

1. How do solar powered vertebrates obtain energy through symbiosis with algae?

Solar powered vertebrates, also known as photosynthetic vertebrates, obtain energy through a symbiotic relationship with algae. The algae live within the cells of the vertebrate and use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, a form of sugar. The vertebrate then uses this glucose as a source of energy.

2. What types of vertebrates can have a symbiotic relationship with algae?

Any type of vertebrate, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, can potentially have a symbiotic relationship with algae. However, this relationship is most commonly seen in species that spend a significant amount of time in the sun, such as reptiles and birds.

3. Can solar powered vertebrates survive without sunlight?

No, solar powered vertebrates cannot survive without sunlight. The algae within their cells require sunlight to carry out photosynthesis and produce glucose. Without sunlight, the algae would not be able to provide energy for the vertebrate, leading to starvation and ultimately death.

4. Are there any potential drawbacks to being a solar powered vertebrate?

While being a solar powered vertebrate may seem like a beneficial adaptation, there are also potential drawbacks. These animals are limited to living in areas where there is an abundance of sunlight, and they may struggle to survive in areas with long periods of darkness. Additionally, if the algae within their cells die or are unable to carry out photosynthesis for any reason, the vertebrates may not be able to obtain enough energy to survive.

5. Are there any known solar powered vertebrates in nature?

Yes, there are several known species of solar powered vertebrates in nature. Some examples include the emerald green sea slug, spotted salamander, and green tree frog. These animals have evolved to have a symbiotic relationship with algae, allowing them to obtain energy from the sun and survive in their respective habitats.

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top