The Role of Free Amino Acids and Betaines in Intracellular Osmoregulation of Marine Sponges.

Abstract

Six species of marine sponges belonging to the class Demospongiae were analyzed for free amino acids and betaines, and changes in their concentrations in two species of intertidal sponges exposed to hypo- and hyperosmotic stresses were investigated. The concentration profile of individual free amino acids and betaines was characterized by a high level of glycine especially in two intertidal species.