species: Acanthella cavernosa in Green Island (Gaia Guide)
Green Island > Animalia > Porifera > Axinellidae > Acanthella cavernosa (gallery)
Acanthella cavernosa


©David Witherall and Liv Slip: Acanthella cavernosa, Mooring Bommie, Ocean Free, Green Island

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Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Porifera
Class Demospongiae
Order Halichondrida
Family Dictyonellidae
Genus Acanthella
Species Acanthella cavernosa

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Colours

              

Distinguishing features

Distinguishing features still need to be specified.

Size

  • Size data has not been obtained.

Synonyms

Interesting facts

  • One of the chemicals from this sponge (A Tricyclic Guanidine Alkaloid) aids a protein which attacks cancer cells (PDCD4). The protein is destabilised (perhaps by the cancer) but the Alkaloid restabilises it so that it can infiltrate the cancer cell and stop it from rebuilding itself. It is like a battle; where the invading cancer soldiers attack, wounding the defenders. The sponge medics are flown in patching them up and then they retaliate, cutting through the invaders and repelling the attack.

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution

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