Bathymetric adaptations of corals at Davies Reef, Great Barrier Reef: UV-B absorbing compounds

Updated: 2017-11-20

Corals were collected by scuba from depths between 1 and 45 m on the southeastern side of Davies Reef in October 1980 and February, July and December 1981 and the concentrations of mycosporine-like amino acids determined.Photosynthetic pigments and and mycosporine-like amino acids were extracted using 3 volumes of 20% tetrahydrofuran in methanol (v:v). Visible UV spectra were recorded and pigments were separated and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. The UV-B band used in this study was 208-340 nm. To examine the relationship between the mycosporine-like amino acids of Acropora spp. and increasing depth.To determine whether Acropora spp. respond biochemically to the presence of UV-B light. Data analyses were part of a series of three papers addressing:1. Long-term growth responses (data not held by AIMS)2. Light saturation curves for photosynthesis and respiration (see separate metadata record)3. UV-B absorbing compoundsSee separate metadata records.