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Halichondria Contorta
''Halichondria'' is a genus of sea sponges belonging to the family Halichondriidae. These are massive, amorphous sponges with clearly separated inner and outer skeletons consisting of bundles of spicule (sponge), spicules arranged in a seemingly random pattern. This genus of sponges became important through the discovery of cell division limiting properties of the extract Halichondrin B, which inhibits cell mitosis. The drug Eribulin, a related compound and an inhibitor of microtubule function, has become an important chemotherapy treatment for certain types of cancer. Species The following species are recognised in the genus ''Halichondria'': * Subgenus ''Eumastia'' Schmidt, 1870 ** ''Halichondria attenuata'' (Topsent, 1915) ** ''Halichondria maraensis'' Kim & Sim, 2009 ** ''Halichondria schmidti'' Dendy, 1895 ** ''Halichondria sitiens'' (Schmidt, 1870) * Subgenus ''Halichondria'' Fleming, 1828 ** ''Halichondria adelpha'' de Laubenfels, 1954 ** ''Halichondria agglomerans'' Cabio ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Halichondria Panicea
''Halichondria panicea'', commonly known as the breadcrumb sponge, is a species of sea sponge belonging to the family Halichondriidae. This is an abundant sponge of coastal areas of the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea ranging from the intertidal zone to a recorded depth of over 550 m. It is also found in the intertidal zone of the coast of the northern part of the North Island of New Zealand. It is very tolerant of a wide range of coastal habitats, including strong currents, high salinity and exposure to powerful wave action. Its only requirement is a rocky substrate which can include small cobbles. Morphology ''Halichondria panicea'' occurs in a very wide range of forms and can be difficult to identify. Some forms have a granular surface which gives rise to the common name but sometimes the surface is smooth, even glassy. The surface is often marked with pores (oscula) which can extend into tubular "chimneys" in wave-sheltered habitats. The overall form is deter ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |