Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
of novel bioactive molecules has been recognized. In many cases, these
associated bacteria have been found to be the actual producers of these
compounds. It is likely that bacteria and microorganisms co-evolved with
sponges during the long period of time, and thus acquired a complex
common metabolism. Many of these associations play a role in maintaining
the health and diversity of reef systems (Cerrano et al., 2004).
Coral reefs have been recognized as vulnerable to destruction due to
the action of bio-eroding organisms, coastal pollution over-fi shing, coral
mining, and recreational activities, among others. Climate change poses
a serious threat to these complex ecosystems. The release of sewage
affects the corals by spreading through the massive sediments. Infectious
diseases are recognized as signifi cant contributors to the dramatic loss of
corals observed worldwide (Santhanam and Venkataramanjuam, 1996;
Voss and Richardson, 2006). In the light of the deteriorating state of coral
reefs worldwide, the necessity of restoring corals has been seriously felt,
attracting worldwide efforts. These efforts include construction of artifi cial
reefs, mariculture and restocking. Construction of artifi cial reefs makes
use of low-profi le structures such as shipwrecks in the seabed to mimic a
natural reef. The ability of benthic artifi cial reef communities, mainly fi lter
feeders like bryozoans, bivalves, sponges and tunicates to resemble those
of a natural reef is of great use in rehabilitation and restoration of degraded
marine habitats. In spite of efforts in this direction, understanding of the
interactions between artifi cial and natural reefs is poor and doubts exist
on the ability of artifi cial reefs to mimic adjacent natural reef communities,
performance of artifi cial reefs and their possible effects on the natural
surroundings (Baine, 2001). Reef Watch Marine Conservation ( www.
reefwatchindia.org ) is one of the leading organizations in India working
on marine and coastal conservation issues.
Bioactive Compounds from Corals
Coral reef organisms are known to possess several biologically active
chemicals that can be of immense therapeutic applications. The
probability of discovering a drug from marine sources, particularly
corals, is approximately a thousand times more than that from terrestrial
ones. Therefore corals and coral reefs are being targeted for studies
world over for their bioactive compounds. These efforts have yielded
a number of compounds from these sources, which include analgesic,
anti-Alzheimer, anti-angiogenic, anti-asthma agents, anti-cancer
drugs, anti-fungal agents, anti-infl ammatory compounds, immuno-
stimulatory and immuno-suppressive compounds. While some of these
compounds are being commercially produced, many are at various
levels of clinical trials. For example, zoanthamine, capable of preventing
osteoporosis, was isolated in 1984 by Faulkner's group from a Zoanthus
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