The production of antimicrobial compounds by British marine algae III. Distribution of antimicrobial activity within the algal thallus

Abstract

The distribution of antibiotics within the thalli of six known antibiotic-producing marine algae was investigated by collecting standard samples at various distances from their growing points and then assaying their antibiotic content. The results showed that out of the six species examined only Ulva lactuca contained a uniform distribution of antibiotic(s). Three species; Chondrus crispus, Dilsea carnosa and Codium fragile exhibited increased activity in the younger regions of their thalli whilst the frond of Laminaria saccharina was least active around its meristematic region. Laminaria digitata appears to have a more complicated distribution of activity within its thallus. The experiments were repeated at quarterly intervals but no significant seasonal variation in antibiotic distribution within these six plants could be detected.