Recent developments in different collection techniques, however, have made
samples relatively easier to obtain, and natural marine substances have received
growing attention (Kim 2015).
10.2 Researching Natural Marine Substances
10.2.1 Bibliographic Studies
Before any experimentation, the first step of the research process is to search the
data and literature for information on what substances have been obtained from
what marine organisms. Such information is easily searchable today online. Some
of the leading journals providing ample information on natural marine substances
include the Journal of Natural Products (published by the American Chemical
Society) and Natural Products Reports (published by the Royal Society).
10.2.2 Collecting Marine Organism Samples
A. Marine Organism Samples: Types and Characteristics
Marine organisms inhabit a seawater environment with salt content of around 3%.
The large amounts of salt and inorganic matter pose many difficulties in isolating
bioactive substances and assessing activity. At the same time, the species diversity
and abundant biomass mean that various kinds of natural substances can potentially
be produced.
(1) Marine Animals
Natural classification, as opposed to artificial classification, is the classification
of organisms based on structural commonalities associated with their living
behaviors and habitats, as well as their physiology, ecology, genetics, and
genesis. This is a form of scientific classification using taxonomic nomenclature, with the species as the basic unit. Marine organisms can be separated by
natural classification into the following major categories.
1. Protozoa
Protozoa are single-celled organisms that exist as clusters of traits with one
or more nuclei. Accordingly, protozoa undergo localized differentiation and
may possess organs or organelles, while their bodies may be fully exposed
or possess a thin membrane or shell. Protozoa are differentiated into
endoplasm and exoplasm and possess pseudopods, flagella, or cilia for
movement, depending on the species. Protozoa can be divided into flagellates, ciliates, rhizopods, sporozoans, and suctorians.
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samples relatively easier to obtain, and natural marine substances have received
growing attention (Kim 2015).
10.2 Researching Natural Marine Substances
10.2.1 Bibliographic Studies
Before any experimentation, the first step of the research process is to search the
data and literature for information on what substances have been obtained from
what marine organisms. Such information is easily searchable today online. Some
of the leading journals providing ample information on natural marine substances
include the Journal of Natural Products (published by the American Chemical
Society) and Natural Products Reports (published by the Royal Society).
10.2.2 Collecting Marine Organism Samples
A. Marine Organism Samples: Types and Characteristics
Marine organisms inhabit a seawater environment with salt content of around 3%.
The large amounts of salt and inorganic matter pose many difficulties in isolating
bioactive substances and assessing activity. At the same time, the species diversity
and abundant biomass mean that various kinds of natural substances can potentially
be produced.
(1) Marine Animals
Natural classification, as opposed to artificial classification, is the classification
of organisms based on structural commonalities associated with their living
behaviors and habitats, as well as their physiology, ecology, genetics, and
genesis. This is a form of scientific classification using taxonomic nomenclature, with the species as the basic unit. Marine organisms can be separated by
natural classification into the following major categories.
1. Protozoa
Protozoa are single-celled organisms that exist as clusters of traits with one
or more nuclei. Accordingly, protozoa undergo localized differentiation and
may possess organs or organelles, while their bodies may be fully exposed
or possess a thin membrane or shell. Protozoa are differentiated into
endoplasm and exoplasm and possess pseudopods, flagella, or cilia for
movement, depending on the species. Protozoa can be divided into flagellates, ciliates, rhizopods, sporozoans, and suctorians.
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