EurekAlert!, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
This EurekAlert! kids news article features information about the toxic molecule, tracheal cytotoxin, which is responsible for forming a light producing organ in the Bobtail squid-bacteria symbiosis. This toxin has been discovered to have both good and bad effects depending on the type of bacteria and host involved in the symbiosis: on one hand, it could cause disease and massive tissue damage, while on the other, it is vitally important in organ development. These recently discovered effects may force biologists to re-think the relationship between the world's many microorganisms and their host plants/animals.
Subject: Biology:Ecology:Symbiotic Relations, Habitats:Marine, Biology:Microbiology, Microbiology:Microbiology and Health Resource Type: Scientific Resources:Overview/Reference Work Grade Level: Middle (6-8), High School (9-12), Intermediate (3-5) Ocean Environments: Surface Waters, Deep Waters, Shallow Sea Floor/Continental Shelf Topics: Biosphere:Ecology:Habitats:Marine, Biosphere:Microbiology, Microbiology and Health, Ecology:Symbiotic RelationsKeyword: Hawaiian bobtail squid
