程序性細胞死亡是細胞進行一序列的生化反應,最後產生特殊的細胞型態。雖然最後結果是死亡,程序性細胞死亡通常對細胞所屬的群體有利的。本文報導對一項發生在鈣化藻的程序性細胞死亡的研究,鈣化藻是種造礁藻類,在生態上很重要。由實驗發現鈣化藻的程序性死亡會發生在珊瑚或其它藻類附近,外觀上產生區域性白化現象。 程序性死亡可能不單是由環境因素造成,與不同物種的互動有關連。研究朝物種相剋方向進行,某些物種為競爭同一位置而分泌化學物驅退競爭者質。由於二氧化碳所引起的海洋酸化不利於鈣化生物生存。鈣化生物的競爭力削弱後,有害藻類的入侵將會更嚴重。這項鈣化藻的程序性細胞死亡的研究目標提供保護鈣化生物的有用資訊。
Programmed cell death (PCD) involves a series of biochemical events leading to a characteristic cell morphology and death. Though resulting in death, PCD, often produces advantageous effects to the community the cells belong to. This paper presents a study on PCD examples occurring on coralline algae, which are significant in ecology for their role as reef builder. It is believed that PCD of coralline algae can be induced by nearby coral or other algae and leads to bleaching of coralline algae in patches. A way to induce PCD may be through interspecific interaction, more specifically, induced by allelopathic chemicals designed to ward off competitors for the same space. Ocean acidification caused by emission of carbon dioxide is particularly detrimental to calcifying organisms. As a result, invasion of completing algae is becoming more serious. This study of programmed cell death on coralline algae wishes to produce useful information for the protection of marine calcifying organisms.