Algalytic activity of alpha-mannosidase on harmful marine microalgae

alpha-D mannose is present on the surface of the toxic dinoflagellate Cochl odinium polykrikoides. When exposed to the enzyme alpha-mannosidase, live c ells of C. polykrikoides lost motility, rounded up, swelled gradually, and then lysed. The enzyme demonstrated a wide spectrum of lytic activity towar d the harmful algal species of the family Gymnodiniales, Alexandrium tamare nse and Eutreptiella gymnastica, but showed less effect on useful feed alga e such as Chaetoceros calcitrans, Dunaliella salina, Isochrysis galbana, an d Navicula pelliculosa.