Coral mucus: the properties of its constituent mucins

Biomacromolecules. 2010 Apr 12;11(4):883-8. doi: 10.1021/bm9012106.

Abstract

The gel-forming properties of mucus are closely related to its functioning; although there is limited information available relating to coral mucus gels. The present study investigates coral mucus glycoprotein using rheological methods. We demonstrate the presence of a high-molecular-weight polymeric glycoprotein similar to that found in vertebrates, capable of forming a gel. The milked mucus exuded mostly from the oral cavity of corals is not a gel; however, it does show a tendency to form a gel upon concentration. Such results indicate the potential for corals to produce two different kinds of mucus, each potentially capable of performing different functions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthozoa / chemistry*
  • Anthozoa / metabolism
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Gels
  • Glycoproteins / chemistry*
  • Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Mucins / chemistry*
  • Mucins / metabolism
  • Mucus / chemistry*
  • Mucus / metabolism
  • Rheology

Substances

  • Gels
  • Glycoproteins
  • Mucins
  • gastric mucus glycoproteins