This ARNAT (Australian Research Network for Algal Toxins) web page describes brevetoxins, large lipophilic polyether toxins that are produced by the dinoflagellate Ptychodiscus (formerly Gymnodiunium) brevis. Brevetoxins have caused massive fish kills and respiratory irritation in humans, and are known to pass to humans via shellfish and cause a syndrome named neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP). This page describes NPS and offers a brief description of how the toxins work. The page provides chemical structures of brevetoxins as well as a reference list for detailed reading.
Subject: Biology:Ecology:Habitats:Marine, Biology:Ecology:Metabolism, Biology:Microbiology, Microbiology:Microbiology and Health Resource Type: Scientific Resources:Overview/Reference Work Grade Level: Graduate/Professional, College Upper (15-16) Ocean Environments: Coastal and Estuarine Theme: Teach the Earth:Course Topics:EcologyKeywords: harmful algal bloom, HAB, toxic algae
