Researchers have discovered molecular characteristics that distinguish which corals can withstand a bleaching event, and which are susceptible.
When seawater temperatures become too hot, corals expel their colorful algal symbionts.. The algae that live within corals support them by supplying nutrients and energy from photosynthesis. Corals are animals and cannot make their own food. The loss of their algae turns the corals white. The corals then become weak, struggle to reproduce and are at risk for widespread demise.
A recent project showed that the type, amount, and interactions of proteins and peptides –- the proteomics of the coral – is a key indicator of whether it could overcome a thermal-induced bleaching event.
“Some corals are very resilient and very robust. To improve reef restoration efforts, we…