Sea cucumbers deplete the sediment microbiome and increase coral survival
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Authors
Ortega, Vicente
Date of Issue
2025-04-25
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Abstract
Coral are marine organisms that are dependent on their microbiome to create their immune system. They host thousands of microorganisms within their exoskeleton, requiring a balanced relationship with their environment. Dependence on their immediate microbiome leaves coral susceptible to pathogenic microbes. Sea cucumbers are often found near coral, where they graze the sediment, consuming microorganisms and organic matter. Previous research on coral growth revealed a critical observation: coral died if sea cucumbers were removed from their immediate surroundings. While coral planted in sediment where sea cucumbers were able to graze thrived. 16s rRNA is a universal gene found in all microorganisms, with most species having one to two copies. Microbiome abundance was estimated by quantifying the 16s gene in sediment samples. Three samples of sediment were analyzed: Sea cucumber poop, sediment with sea cucumber presence and without their presence. Real-time qPCR was conducted to quantify the number of 16s copies in each sample. Results indicate that sediment grazed by sea cucumbers had lower concentrations of 16s rRNA copies. These results indicate that sea cucumber grazing may decrease the abundance of microorganisms in sediment. Grazed sediment may contain fewer microorganisms and promote coral survival. Potentially reducing exposure to sediment-derived pathogens detrimental to coral survival.