The contraction-expansion behaviour in the demosponge Tethya wilhelma is light controlled and follows a diurnal rhythm

Sarah B. Flensburg, Anders Garm, Peter Funch*

*Corresponding author af dette arbejde

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftLetterForskningpeer review

7 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

Sponges (phylum Porifera) are metazoans which lack muscles and nerve cells, yet perform coordinated behaviours such as whole-body contractions. Previous studies indicate diurnal variability in both the number of contractions and the expression of circadian clock genes. Here, we show that diurnal patterns are present in the contraction–expansion behaviour of the demosponge Tethya wilhelma, by using infrared videography and a simulated night/day cycle including sunrise and sunset mimics. In addition, we show that this behaviour is at least strongly influenced by ambient light intensity and therefore indicates light-sensing capabilities in this sponge species. This is supported by our finding that T. wilhelma consistently contracts at sunrise, and that this pattern disappears both when the sponge is kept in constant darkness and when it is in constant light.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
Artikelnummer244751
TidsskriftJournal of Experimental Biology
Vol/bind225
Udgave nummer24
Antal sider6
ISSN0022-0949
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2022

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