6
Conclusions
Several diatoms produce wound-activated compounds able to trigger apoptosis
processes in crustaceans [49]. These secondary metabolites, synthesized within the
oxylipin pathway, are generally meant as induced defenses against grazer consumers. The shrimp here considered translated this effect into a spring signal to
produce young females [53], to increase the reproductive burst in fall. Although the
example here discussed of a close interaction between a shrimp and a diatom
appears, at the best of our knowledge, as a unique case for chemical ecology and
Fig. 6 Top plots. Analysis of sex in individuals of H. inermis collected in the field in April–May
(when young females are produced) and in other months (when shrimps show a typical proterandric
development). Microalgae containing large amounts of Cocconeis dominate their gut contents.
Lower plots. Analysis of sex of individuals of H. inermis cultured in the laboratory and fed diets
containing Cocconeis (left) and not containing diatoms (right). Evidently the diet containing
diatoms triggers the production of larger amounts of females, resembling those collected in spring
in the field
142
V. Zupo
Conclusions
Several diatoms produce wound-activated compounds able to trigger apoptosis
processes in crustaceans [49]. These secondary metabolites, synthesized within the
oxylipin pathway, are generally meant as induced defenses against grazer consumers. The shrimp here considered translated this effect into a spring signal to
produce young females [53], to increase the reproductive burst in fall. Although the
example here discussed of a close interaction between a shrimp and a diatom
appears, at the best of our knowledge, as a unique case for chemical ecology and
Fig. 6 Top plots. Analysis of sex in individuals of H. inermis collected in the field in April–May
(when young females are produced) and in other months (when shrimps show a typical proterandric
development). Microalgae containing large amounts of Cocconeis dominate their gut contents.
Lower plots. Analysis of sex of individuals of H. inermis cultured in the laboratory and fed diets
containing Cocconeis (left) and not containing diatoms (right). Evidently the diet containing
diatoms triggers the production of larger amounts of females, resembling those collected in spring
in the field
142
V. Zupo