Sponges & Spicules: Determining Calcerious or Siliceous & Environmental Effects

  • Thread starter nemzy
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation discusses how to determine if the spicules of a sponge are calcerious or siliceous, as well as the relationship between environmental factors and the shape of a sponge. It also touches on the function of spicules and their role in the construction of a large sponge. A suggested method for testing the type of spicules in a sponge is also mentioned.
  • #1
nemzy
125
0
how would u know if the spicules of a spnge or calcerious or siliceous?

Also, what environmental consideration might have an influence on whether a sponge is or flattened?

Is there any relatnsiohp between the funcion of the spicules and behavirol responses?

what characteristics are important in the “building” of a large sponge and why. I know that ascon makes sycon makes leucon..but that's all i know..
 
Last edited:
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
nemzy said:
how would u know if the spicules of a spnge or calcerious or siliceous?
You can test them in your lab.
Place a few spicules on a microscope slide in a couple drops of water. Add a coverslip and observe under a microscope.
With a micropipette, draw some dilute (8%) hydrochloric acid under the coverslip. Keep your spicules in focus and watch its response to the acid. If they are calcareous, the HCl will react with the calcium carbonate and the spicules will disappear. The Si in Siliceous sponges do not react with HCl and remain intact.
 
  • #3

1. What are sponges and spicules?

Sponges are aquatic animals that are characterized by their porous bodies and ability to filter feed. Spicules are structural elements found in many types of sponges that provide support and protection for the sponge.

2. How do scientists determine if sponges and spicules are calcerious or siliceous?

Scientists use various techniques, such as microscopy and chemical analysis, to determine the composition of sponges and spicules. Calcerious sponges and spicules are primarily made of calcium carbonate while siliceous ones are composed of silica.

3. What are the environmental effects of sponges and spicules?

Sponges and spicules play important roles in marine ecosystems. They filter large amounts of water, removing excess nutrients and pollutants, and provide habitats for other organisms. However, changes in the environment, such as pollution and ocean acidification, can negatively impact their growth and survival.

4. How do sponges and spicules contribute to the carbon cycle?

Sponges and spicules are important components of the carbon cycle in marine environments. They can absorb and store large amounts of carbon, and when they die, their remains sink to the ocean floor and become part of the sediment, storing carbon for long periods of time.

5. Can sponges and spicules be used in biotechnology or medical research?

Yes, sponges and spicules have potential applications in biotechnology and medical research. They contain bioactive compounds that have shown promise in pharmaceutical development, wound healing, and tissue engineering. However, more research is needed to fully understand and utilize their potential benefits.

Similar threads

Programs Is Environmental Engineering capitalized?
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
2
Views
1K
Synthetic Biology, What Might It Do?
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
1K
Are the COVID Vaccines Unusually Ineffective?
    • Biology and Medical
3
Replies
100
Views
6K
Qualifying Propylene Glycol amounts for specific volume
    • Chemistry
Replies
1
Views
2K
Civil vs Mechanical Engineering: Deciding Between Environmental Majors & Minors
    • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
4
Views
3K
A In light of new evidence, what might be behind the Casimir Effect?
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
46
Views
2K
I Calculating Cooling Effect in Gas Cylinder Expansion
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
3
Views
1K
Physicists in Industry - Action Needed
    • STEM Educators and Teaching
Replies
7
Views
1K
Micromechanical Vibration Analysis of Composite Materials
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
971
I Could Tim Maudlin's Views on Bell and QM Be Flawed?
    • Quantum Interpretations and Foundations
2
Replies
37
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top