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Biological protective substances in Marthasterias glacialis (Asteroidea) epidermal secretion
Author(s) -
Canicattí C.,
D'Ancona G.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1990.tb04043.x
Subject(s) - biology , secretion , lysozyme , protease , epidermis (zoology) , mucus , microbiology and biotechnology , secretory protein , penetration (warfare) , bacteria , biochemistry , enzyme , ecology , anatomy , genetics , operations research , engineering
Marthasterias glacialis secretes a watery mucous liquid consisting of 14% carbohydrate and 86% protein. The mucous secretion possesses different biological active molecules responsible for lysozyme‐like, protease and haemolytic activities. These substances could constitute a molecular barrier playing a protective role against the penetration by bacteria, fungi and parasites. The secretory apparatus consists of two unicellular glands, a large goblet cell and a granular cell, which open directly into the epidermis.