DefenseMechanisms

Defense Mechanisms

Chemical Defense Mechanisms

• Toxins
  • Harmless to humans (except fire coral – can cause pain, inflammatory effects)
  • Most toxins are neurotoxins
    • Interfere with signal transmission in animals’ nervous systems
    • Three main types
      • Saxitoxin – causes paralysis and respiratory failure
      • Palytoxin - causes kidney, respiratory and heart failure
      • Lophototoxin – causes muscle contractions, possibly paralysis and respiratory failure

• Symbiotic Relationships
  • A close relationship between two species
  • Corals often live in symbiosis with bacteria and protists that produce toxins, using them for protection