INHIBITORY EFFECT OF THE PURPLE FLUID PRODUCED BY A MOLLUSK APLYSIA-PUNCTATA ON GROWTH OF GRAM-NEGATIVE MARINE-BACTERIA

Laboratory experiments demonstrated that the purple fluid secreted in the mantle cavity of an opisthobranch mollusc Aplysia punctata inhibit s growth or marine bacteria belonging to the genus pseudomonas. Simila r effect was observed with the spore-forming Bacillus subtilis. Yeast of the genus Rhodotorula and fungus Penicillium sp. were insensitive t o the effect of this substance. The data obtained are discussed in rel ation to studies of mechanisms providing for protection of aquatic ani mals from infections and in relation to the search for new biologicall y active compounds.