Fucus vesiculosus

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Fucus vesiculosus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Clade: Diaphoretickes
Clade: SAR
Clade: Stramenopiles
Phylum: Gyrista
Subphylum: Ochrophytina
Class: Phaeophyceae
Order: Fucales
Family: Fucaceae
Genus: Fucus
Species:
F. vesiculosus
Binomial name
Fucus vesiculosus
Bladder wrack is named for its conspicuous vesicles.

Fucus vesiculosus, known by the common names bladderwrack, black tang, rockweed, sea grapes, bladder fucus, sea oak, cut weed, dyers fucus, red fucus and rock wrack, is a

thyroid gland related to iodine deficiency.[1]

Description

The fronds of F. vesiculosus grow to 150 cm (59 in) long and 2.5 cm (1.0 in) wide and have a prominent midrib throughout. It is attached by a basal disc-shaped holdfast. It has almost spherical air bladders, which are usually paired one on either side of the mid-rib but may be absent in young plants. The margin is smooth and the frond is dichotomously branched. It is sometimes confused with Fucus spiralis with which it hybridises and is similar to Fucus serratus.[2][3]

Distribution

Fucus vesiculosus is a common large alga on the shores of the British Isles.[4] It has been recorded from the Atlantic shores of Europe, Northern Russia, the Baltic Sea, Greenland, Azores, Canary Islands, Morocco and Madeira.[5][6] It is also found on the Atlantic coast of North America from Ellesmere Island, Hudson Bay to North Carolina.[7]

Ecology

The species is especially common on sheltered shores from the middle

Littorina littorea,[9] while galactolipids act as herbivore deterrents against the sea urchin Arbacia punctulata.[10] Methyl jasmonate may induce the phlorotannins production.[11] Fucophlorethol A is a type of phlorotannin found in F. vesiculosus.[12]

Biology

Plants of F. vesiculosus are

dioecious. Gametes are generally released into the seawater under calm conditions, and the eggs are fertilized externally to produce a zygote.[2] Eggs are fertilized shortly after being released from the receptacle. A study on the coast of Maine showed that there was 100% fertilization at both exposed and sheltered sites.[2] Continuously submerged populations in the Baltic Sea are very responsive to turbulent conditions. High fertilization success is achieved because the gametes are released only when water velocities are low.[13]

Individuals of F. vesiculosus from the North Sea colonized the Baltic Sea less than 8,000 years ago. The event is paralleled by a switch from what seems to be obligate sexual recruitment to facultative asexual recruitment.[14] Asexual reproduction in Baltic Sea populations is accomplished by the production of adventitious branches that come loose and reattach to the bottom by the formation of rhizoids. Adventitious branches are present in thalli of F. vesiculosus in other areas too but asexual formation of new thalli has never been reported outside the Baltic Sea.[14][15]

Consumption

Fucus vesiculosus is sold as a nutritional supplement. Primary chemical constituents include

beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, volatile oils, iodine, bromine, potassium and other minerals.[citation needed
]

Adverse effects

Consumption of F. vesiculosus can cause

platelet inhibition, which may potentiate the anticoagulant activity of warfarin (Coumadin).[16] It should be avoided before surgery.[16]

Some people may suffer an

allergic reaction to the iodine in F. vesiculosus.[17]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Bladderwrack". WebMD. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d Nicola White (2008). "Bladder wrack – Fucus vesiculosus". Marine Life Information Network. Archived from the original on 2012-04-02. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  3. ^ Newton, L. 1931. A Handbook of British Seaweeds. London. British Museum (Natural History)
  4. ISBN 978-0-9527115-1-3. Archived from the original
    (PDF) on 2014-02-01. Retrieved 2014-01-18.
  5. National University of Ireland, Galway
    . Retrieved April 22, 2012.
  6. doi:10.1080/09670260802172627
    .
  7. ^
    ISBN 978-0-472-04904-2
    .
  8. ISBN 978-0-521-40897-4
    .
  9. S2CID 21550668
    .
  10. S2CID 5821145
    .
  11. S2CID 84362547
    .
  12. PMID 19954804
    .
  13. PMID 11607682
    .
  14. ^
    S2CID 16619196
    .
  15. PMID 27525655
    .
  16. ^ a b "Herbs to Avoid Before Surgery". University of Texas, El Paso.
  17. ^ "Bladderwrack". MedlinePlus. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved December 13, 2013.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fucus_vesiculosus&oldid=1218901061"