Context:
According to new research, antimicrobial proteins isolated from oyster hemolymph can kill certain drug resistant-bacteria.
Oysters:
- Fascinating marine creatures, classified as invertebrates.
- Diet – Omnivorous
- Has rough, rock-hard shell usually oval or pear-shaped.
- Habitat – Found in shallow ocean waters worldwide, forming colonies in beds or reefs.
- Occasionally produce pearls
- Ecological Role –
- Keystone Species – Provide critical habitat and protection for marine organisms like sea anemones, barnacles, and mussels.
- Keystone species – Species that have a large impact on their ecosystems relative to their abundance (e.g., Tigers, Sea Otters).
- Water Filtration – A single oyster can filter over two gallons of water per hour, removing pollutants like nitrates, ammonia, phosphates, etc
- Keystone Species – Provide critical habitat and protection for marine organisms like sea anemones, barnacles, and mussels.
- Diet and Behavior
- Feeding: Filter algae and food particles from water drawn over their gills.
- Gender Change: All oysters start as males and typically change to females after about a year. They can change gender multiple times during their lifespan.
- Significance –
- Antimicrobial proteins and peptides from oyster can kill certain bacteria and can inhibit and penetrate biofilms that protect bacteria from antibiotics and immune responses.
- Nutritional Value: High in calcium, iron, and protein.
Read more on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Source: DTE
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following is a filter feeder?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) Catfish
(b) Octopus
(c) Oyster
(d) Pelican
Answer: (c)
