Negative effects of UV radiation on organisms

Updated 2002-01-25

Due to its high energy, UV radiation can induce severe damage at the molecular and cellular level. On the molecular level proteins and lipids, as well as nucleic acids are particularly affected. Conformation changes of certain proteins involved in photosynthesis, such as the reaction center protein (D1) of photosystem II or the CO2 fixing enzyme in the Calvin cycle (RuBisCo) lead to an inhibition of photosynthesis, and consequently to a decrease in biomass production. This might shift certain algal species into deeper waters, not reached by UV radiation. The aim of the studies is to demonstrate how strong an increase of UV radiation due to stratospheric ozone depletion will influence the depth distribution and biomass production of macroalgae, and which molecules and processes are most severely affected. Moreover, it will be studied, which stage in the life cycle of the individual species is most sensitive to UV radiation as it will be this particular stage, which in the end determines the upper distribution limit of a certain species on the shore.

Time frame

Status
Ongoing
Project time span
2000 - 2005
Data collection
not specified
Data processing
not specified
Data reporting
not specified

Contact information

Contact person
Dieter Hanelt
Address
Foundation Alfred Wegener Institute Biological Institute Helgoland Kurpromenade D-27483 Helgoland
Phone
++49 4725 819 239
Fax
++49 4725 819 283
Email
ed.nevahremerb-iwa@tlenahd

Parameters and Media

Not specified

Geography

Regions studied
Koldewey Station, Ny-Ålesund/Spitsbergen
Koldewey Station, Ny-Ålesund/Spitsbergen
Koldewey Station, Ny-Ålesund/Spitsbergen
Other areas
North Sea german bight

Data availability

Samples/specimens archived in specimen banks?
No

Methods & Procedures

Not specified

Additional Information

Is this a bi- AND multi-lateral project (i.e. a project involving cooperation between different countries)?
No
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