Abstract
THE small, leaf-shaped marine slug Elysia viridis (Ophisto-branchia, Sacoglossa) owes its green colour to borrowed pigments. Unusual, although not unique in the animal kingdom, it is part of a ‘chloroplast symbiosis’ and is photosynthetically active. The chloroplasts, which are found in the cells of the highly branched digestive channel (hepatic diverticula), have been identified as originating from the siphonous green alga Codium fragile, on which Elysia feeds1. Removed from its food source but kept in the light, Elysia can live for months by means of photosynthesis. In the dark, however, even when offered food, it soon dies2. As part of the relationship the animal cells affect the morphological integrity and function of the symbiotic chloroplasts, and I report here that the cells themselves are influenced by the presense of the chloroplasts. The ion balance of Elysia is regulated by light through the mediation of the chloroplasts.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Kawaguti, S. & Yamasu, T. Biol. J. Okayama Univ. 11, 3–4, 57–65 (1965).
Hinde, R. & Smith, D. C. Biol. J. Linn. Soc. 7, 2, 161–171 (1975).
Gutknecht, J. Biol. Bull. 130, 131–137 (1966).
Mac Robbie, E. A. C. J. gen. Physiol. 47, 859–877 (1964).
Raven, J. A. J. gen. Physiol. 50, 1672–1640 (1967).
Gutknecht, J. & Dainty, J. Oceanogr. mar. biol. Rev. 6, 163–200 (1968).
Dilley, R. A. & Vernon, L. P. Archs Biochem. Biophys. 111, 365–375 (1965).
Trench, R. K. Symp. Soc. exp. Biol. 29, 229–265 (1975).
Kennedy, G. Y. & Vevers, H. G. J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K. 33, 603 (1954).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
DEUTCH, B. Light-regulated body ion balance in marine slug Elysia viridis (Montagu). Nature 274, 159–160 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/274159a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/274159a0
- Springer Nature Limited