The Liss Group - Research
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by Claire Hughes email
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Oceanic alkyl iodides are believed to be the principal source of atmospheric iodine. Once alkyl iodides enter the atmosphere, they are broken down through photochemical processes and release iodine atoms. This liberated iodine is then free to take part in ozone regulation and the biogeochemical cycle of iodine. Greater understanding of the oceanic alkyl iodide source would lead to an of improved knowledge iodine biogeochemistry as a whole.
Biological Alkyl Iodide Production Although there is some evidence to suggest that alkyl iodides have a photochemical source in the ocean, principally, these compounds are believed to be biogenic. It has been shown that both seaweeds and marine phytoplankton are capable of alkyl iodide production. In addition, the enzymes involved in alkyl iodide production (haloperoxidases and methyl tranferases) have been identified. However, the reasons why marine organisms produce alkyl iodides and the ecological significance of this group of compounds remain largely unknown.
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- defence compounds, protecting organisms from grazing, microbial epiphytes and bacterial/ fungal attack.
- by-products of the production or breakdown of larger molecular weight defence compounds or in the breakdown of surplus hydrogen peroxide.
Much more research is required to unravel the ecological significance (if any) of the alkyl iodides. Our current work at UEA aims to determine if alkyl iodides do indeed play a role in the adaptation of marine organisms to their environment. It is hoped that this research will allow us to understand observed spatial and temporal variations in oceanic alkyl iodide concentrations and determine how these variations may alter with future climatic changes.
