Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
7
Bioprospecting of Marine
Microalgae, Corals and
Microorganisms
V. Venugopal
INTRODUCTION
The ocean is the richest reservoir of living and non-living resources. The
food resources of the oceans are potentially greater than those of the land
because of larger area and diverse animals that are able to survive in the
oceanic environment. Apart from serving as food, many of the marine
organisms synthesize a number of secondary metabolite compounds, which
are required for their growth and survival in the adverse environment of
the ocean. Many of these compounds have unique therapeutic functions
and therefore can be of use for treatment of a number of ailments.
The Marine Ecosystem
The marine ecosystem has been located at varying depths of the ocean
from 200 m to 10,000 m supporting life at diverse levels. Many organisms
that form part of the ecosystem are faced with extreme environments
such as high pressure, low temperature, and low nutrient levels. Pressure
increases by about one atmosphere for every 10 m depths and therefore
organisms growing at 5000 m must be able to withstand pressures as high
as 500 MPa. Below depths of about 100 m, ocean water stays at a constant
temperature of 2-3°C. On the other hand, temperatures exceeding 100°C
are found in the hydrothermal vents in the ocean bottoms. Salinities as high
as 6N have been found in salt marshes and mines. Availability of nutrients
for microbial growth decreases with depth and therefore microbial levels
Former Scientifi c Offi cer, Food Technology Division Bhabha Atomic Research Centre,
Mumbai 400 076, India; E-mail:
venugopalmenon@hotmail.com
