Event Information

Paul Jones (Wake Forest University)
Photochemistry in Sea-Slugs
Abstract:
Photochemistry is essential for the survival of life on earth. This is most clearly evident in photosynthesis but photochemical reactions play a more subtle role in the survival of many organisms (vitamin D biosynthesis, circadian rhythms, etc.). People have developed photochemical reactions for therapeutic use in treating a wide variety of diseases (photodynamic therapy, or PDT). The usefulness of man-made PDT led us to the question of whether or not other organisms may use light in a similar manner. This question led to our investigation of the photochemistry of the metabolites of Sacoglossan mollusks - sea slugs. In this presentation, the synthesis and photochemical relationships of a number of molluscan metabolites will be presented. The implications of our observations for a possible chemical defense role of photochemistry in these animals will be discussed.

Host: Eric Toone

Tuesday, September 20, 2005, 11:40am
Departmental Seminar