Ocean acidification affects marine chemical communication by changing structure and function of peptide signalling molecules.

摘要: Ocean acidification is a global challenge that faces marine organisms in the near future with predicted rapid drop pH of up to 0.4 units by end this century. Effects change ocean carbon chemistry and on development, growth fitness animals are well documented. Recent evidence also suggests range chemically mediated behaviours interactions fish invertebrates will be affected. Marine use chemical cues, for example, detect predators, settlement, homing reproduction. But, while effects high CO2 conditions these described across many species, little known about underlying mechanisms, particularly invertebrates. Here, we investigate direct influence oceanic structure function three peptide signalling molecules an interdisciplinary combination methods. NMR spectroscopy quantum calculations were used assess molecular tested functionality cues different using behavioural bioassays shore crabs (Carcinus maenas) as model system. We found susceptible protonation conditions, which alter their overall charge. show electrostatic properties important receptor binding differ significantly between forms present today protonated peptides likely dominating oceans. The suggest impaired at low pH. Physiological changes due play less significant role influencing investigated behaviour. From our results, conclude charge, consequently presents one possible mechanism explain altered behaviour under conditions.