The Effects of Clothianidin on Sea Anemone Defense Mechanisms

Indianapolis, IN

This research explored the changes in retraction time of acontia in sea anemones. Acontia are the defense mechanism to sea anemones, they are string-like projections that are shot out during times of stress or stimulation. To begin the experiment, sea anemones were acclimated in normal seawater for three days, with regular water changes and cleaning of the petri dishes. After acclimation, the anemones were physically stimulated to release the acontia and the retraction time was recorded. After the acclimation period, sea anemones were exposed to a pesticide known as clothianidin. The anemones were disturbed to release acontia, or the defense mechanism, the amount of time taken to retract the acontia was recorded. Normally sea anemones retract their acontia within 45-60 minutes, while sea anemones exposed to clothianidin retracted their acontia between 0-15 minutes. Continuing this research will allow for enhanced knowledge of the effects of pesticides on sea anemones and their defense mechanisms. The next step will be to determine whether the effects of clothianidin are long term or just during exposure and how it disrupts their defense mechanisms and neurological system.