RESUMEN

The gel-forming properties of mucus are closely related to its functioning; although there is limited information available relating to coral mucus gels. The present study investigates coral mucus glycoprotein using rheological methods. We demonstrate the presence of a high-molecular-weight polymeric glycoprotein similar to that found in vertebrates, capable of forming a gel. The milked mucus exuded mostly from the oral cavity of corals is not a gel; however, it does show a tendency to form a gel upon concentration. Such results indicate the potential for corals to produce two different kinds of mucus, each potentially capable of performing different functions.

Asunto(s)

Antozoos/química , Glicoproteínas/química , Mucinas/química , Moco/química , Animales , Antozoos/metabolismo , Electroforesis en Gel de Poliacrilamida , Geles , Glicoproteínas/metabolismo , Mucinas/metabolismo , Moco/metabolismo , Reología