A
Anonymous
Guest
Eric,
As I understand it, coral larvae that do not contain zooxanthellae get "infected" by it soon after they settle and start development. The corals ingest the zoox, but the zoox have some type of membrane that prevents them from being digested by the coral. The zoox can then penetrate the gastrodermis and take up residence. However, I've also read that some corals may digest their zoox for various reasons. If the zoox have something that prevents them from being digested when they first infect the coral, how is it the coral can digest them later?
[This message has been edited by desertreefer (edited 07 May 2001).]
As I understand it, coral larvae that do not contain zooxanthellae get "infected" by it soon after they settle and start development. The corals ingest the zoox, but the zoox have some type of membrane that prevents them from being digested by the coral. The zoox can then penetrate the gastrodermis and take up residence. However, I've also read that some corals may digest their zoox for various reasons. If the zoox have something that prevents them from being digested when they first infect the coral, how is it the coral can digest them later?
[This message has been edited by desertreefer (edited 07 May 2001).]
