Induction of halogenated vesicle transport in cells of the red seaweed Laurencia obtusa

In clones of the red alga Laurencia obtusa, the frequency of vesicle transport from corps en cerise ( CC) to the cell wall region was evaluated in response to differences in temperature, irradiance, desiccation, bacterial fouling, and bromine (Br) availability. In addition, the morphology of the corps en cerise was analyzed. Traffic of vesicles was induced by exposing L. obtusa to low temperatures and variations in irradiance. It was also verified that bacterial fouling induced vesicle traffic. Under high temperatures and desiccation, the membranous tubular connections were lost and transport of vesicles was not seen. The morphology of the corps en cerise varied according to the availability of Br in seawater. Exocytosis of secondary metabolites by L. obtusa was shown to vary in relation to temperature, irradiance, desiccation and bacterial fouling. The data suggest that the transport of vesicles in L. obtusa may be related to the inhibition of the microfouling community on the algal surface.