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Variation in phlorotannin content within two species of brown macroalgae (Desmarestia anceps and D. menziesii) from the Western Antarctic Peninsula

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Abstract

Phlorotannins are metabolites found only in the Phaeophyceae (brown algae) and have a variety of metabolic roles, including both primary (e.g. cell wall construction) and secondary (e.g. herbivore defence and UV protection). This study aimed to establish the level of variation of phlorotannins in two species of dominant Antarctic macroalgae (Desmarestia anceps and D. menziesii). Thirteen samples were taken from specific locations throughout the thallus of multiple individuals at two depths at three locations near Anvers Island, Antarctica. Overall average concentrations were 0.117±0.003 g g−1dwt in D. anceps and 0.052±0.002 g g−1dwt in D. menziesii. Concentrations varied greatly at the 13 sampling locations in each individual, but not in any consistent manner. Significant variation occurred between locations in both species and between depths in D. anceps.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to M. Amsler, J. Hollyfield, Y. Huang, K. Peters and S. Weiss for field assistance, to A. Haegerman for her advice on the phlorotannin assay, and to three anonymous reviewers for constructive advice that has improved his manuscript. We also thank the employees and subcontractors of Raytheon Polar Services Company for logistical support in Antarctica. This research was facilitated by National Science Foundation awards to CDA and JBM (OPP-0125181) and to BJB (OPP-0125152).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294-1170, USA

    Victoria A Fairhead, Charles D Amsler & James B McClintock

  2. Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA

    Bill J Baker

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  1. Victoria A Fairhead
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  2. Charles D Amsler
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Correspondence to Victoria A Fairhead.

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Fairhead, V.A., Amsler, C.D., McClintock, J.B. et al. Variation in phlorotannin content within two species of brown macroalgae (Desmarestia anceps and D. menziesii) from the Western Antarctic Peninsula. Polar Biol 28, 680–686 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-005-0735-4

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