Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1995

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Kerr, Russell G.

Abstract

9,11-secogorgosterol is a secondary metabolite from the gorgonian Pseudopterogorgia americana which acts as a chemical defense. The soft coral lives in a symbiotic association with unicellular algae known as zooxanthellae. A biosynthetic investigation, using in vivo and in vitro methods, has resulted in the identification of the metabolic precursor of 9,11-secogorgosterol as gorgosterol. This finding is significant as it indicates that the conversion of gorgosterol to 9,11-secogorgosterol is due to gorgonian metabolism. Since gorgosterol is known to be a product of zooxanthellae metabolism, this would be the first example of a defensive secondary metabolite being produced by two organisms living in symbiosis. A viable acetone powder has been generated from the crude cell-free extract and has demonstrated the efficient transformation of gorgosterol to 9, 11-secogorgosterol. This indicates possible future value as a synthetic tool for secosterol production.

Extent

75 p.

Comments

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1995.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science

Identifier

FADT15180

Format

pdf

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