Seaweeds, activated defense

The existence of only a few well-understood examples of activated defenses of seaweeds seems thus to be due more to a restricted methodological approach... 

Ceh J, Molis M, Dzeha TM, Wahl M (2005) Induction and reduction of anti-herbivore defenses in brown and red macroalgae off the Kenyan coast. J Phycol 41 726-731 Cetrulo GL, Hay ME (2000) Activated chemical defenses in tropical versus temperate seaweeds. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 207 243-253... 

Cetrulo GL, Hay ME (2000) Activated chemical defenses in tropical versus temperate seaweeds. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 207 243-253... 

Many polysaccharides contain branched structures and are chemically modified by the addition of other molecules. Their monomeric or repeat units are often made up of more than one sugar molecule and, consequently, can be quite complex. They form protective capsules of some of the most virulent microorganisms, capsules that, nevertheless, carry information that activate mammalian defenses the immune, interferon, and properdin systems [9, 136]. They are found as key portions of the exoskeletons of insects and arthropods and cell walls of plants and microbes and perform as reserve foodstuffs and important components of intercellular, mucous secretions, synovial and ocular fluids, and blood serum in many organisms. Food Applications compiles recent data on the food applications of marine polysaccharides from such various sources as fishery products, microorganisms, seaweeds, microalgae, and corals [137, 138]. One of the applications of this biopolymer relates to a method for protecting against diseases induced by Streptococcus pneumoniae infections, which comprises mucosal administration of a S. pneumoniae capsular polysaccharide to a patient in need. 

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