Enrichment and purification of Chaoborus kairomone from water: further steps toward its chemical characterization

摘要: Predatory larvae of the genus Chaoborus release a chemical compound (kairomone) into water which induces morphological changes, as antipredatory defenses, in daphnids. We present method for enriching active compounds released by directly from their aquatic environment sorbent extraction. developed fast microscale bio-test based on Daphnia pulex response to kairomone obtain new information about kairomone’s nature. Carboxyl and hydroxyl groups are essential activity. The can be characterized low-molecular weight, non-olefinic hydroxy-carboxylic acid. Separation reversed-phase HPLC yields only one fraction. purified anion exchange HPLC. This is first time kairomone, sensed Daphnia, has been enriched extraction technology. technique enrichment offers possibility following seasonal concentrations natural environments. Predation structure cue would allow progress have strong impact zoo- several areas. plankton communities. Up 50% First, standardized tests could used production or 13% total zooplank- investigate costs benefits antiton biomass eliminated per day density 0.4 larva liter- l, represents predator morphology, clonal diversity, phenotypic plasticity, life-history rea moderate abundance eutrophic lake (Ka- lated questions. Second, jak Ranke-Rybicka 1970). Therefore, there measured field correlated with selection pressure favoring protection against