Effects of copper on early developmental stages of <i>Lessonia nigrescens</i> Bory (Phaeophyceae)
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Date
2007
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Abstract
Copper effects on the early developmental gametophytic and sporophytic stages of the kelp Lessonia nigrescens were tested in gradients of increasing concentrations of ASV-Iabile copper. The results demonstrated a high sensitivity to copper of all life-history stages of the alga, where even the lowest tested concentration affected spore release as well as their subsequent settlement. More significant, concentrations higher than 7.87 mu g L-1 totally interrupted the development of the spores after they settle. This effect led to a failure in the formation of male and female ametophytes and, as a consequence, to a complete disruption of the normal life cycle of the kelp. Thus, we suggest that the absence of L. nigrescens from copper-enriched environments results from the high sensitivity of its early life cycle stages, which limits growth and maturation of the gametophytic microscopic phase and, as a consequence, prevents development of the macroscopic sporophytic phase. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Keywords
brown kelps, copper toxicity, early developmental stages