Superoxide Illustration (IMAGE)

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Superoxide Illustration

Caption

In this simplified illustration, the top scenario shows what is known about superoxide and coral bleaching: excessive production of superoxide within the coral tissue can cause the loss of symbiotic algae living inside the coral. The bottom scenario illustrates the new finding by WHOI scientists: superoxide produced at coral surfaces -- outside of their cells -- they may actually play a beneficial role in coral health and resilience.

Credit

Illustration by Eric Taylor, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

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