Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Antarctic Echinoderms! Courtesy of the British Antarctic Survey

The British Antarctic Survey has recently put out a spread of cool Antarctic invertebrate images. These include this "sea pig" (a sea cucumber, Family Elpidiidae- probably related to the deep-sea Scotoplanes)
(photos by BAS photographer Peter Bucktrout)

What they are calling Gorgonocephalus, (an ophiuroid) apparently perched on an octocoral...
(photos by BAS photographer Peter Bucktrout)

The ubiquitous Antarctic crinoid Promachocrinus, which may be composed of a cryptic species complex
(photos by BAS photographer Peter Bucktrout)

....and this isnt an echinoderm (its an Antarctic amphipod)..but damn. Its cool, isn't it?
(photos by BAS photographer Peter Bucktrout)

Monday, December 21, 2009

Holiday Echinoblog! Plush/Fuzzy EchinoSculpture at Cal Academy in San Francisco!!

Whenever I get to visit San Francisco, I make a point to stop by the Invertebrate Zoology Department at the California Academy of Sciences. THE Natural History Museum in the Bay Area!

Where else can you find giant 2 foot long models of beach-hopping amphipods wearing Santa hats!???

This visit, I've been visiting my former Masters advisor Rich Mooi and met his very talented and creative students who had created a pair of holiday-themed sea urchin art/plush/fuzzy echinoSculpture!!

Kristin Vollrath, who works on Paleozoic sea urchins served up this Christmas-colored Faux cidaroid...
Where the indubitable Ms. Kelly Walsh, who is working on miniaturized sea urchins, created this wonderous purple plush Strongylocentrotus purpuratus!!
Side by side....
Kelly gets extra points for having this unique nautaloid-ammonite plushie!

Happy Holidays from the Echinoblog!!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

A tease....

This is something that I'm working on...but I can't tell you what it is!.....yet! I just thought the image was interesting enough to post as-is!

Enjoy!

Monday, December 14, 2009

December Edition! Sea Urchin Videos!!

Today! Some Sea Urchin Videos! Enjoy!

A recent report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on newly created sea urchin barrens in Tasmania. Based on this Dive Survey website, I believe the species is Centrostephanus rodgersii? If someone knows better-please let me know! SEE? This is why common names suck. Multiple news surveys and NO scientific names.


An outstanding series of sea urchin developmental images. From Southern California-so I think Strongylocentrotus??


High Def Fire Urchin! (Astropyga, I think)


More Fire Urchins! (Astropyga, I think) from Manadao Beach, North Sulawasi.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Utilization of Sea Cucumber Jelly extract as inhibitors of HIV Infections Continue

CHAPTER II
Study Library
A. History of HIV virus.
In 1981, several cases of Pneumocystis pneumonia appeared in Los Angeles. The disease is very rare unless the individual's immune pressure. Researchers also have many cases of Kaposi's sarcoma increased cancer that can arise due to immune system decline. In the year 1983 has been known that the pathogen causing the loss of immune function, this pathogen is a virus HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) which mengifeksi T helper cells (T lymphocyte cell CD 4 +), but at that time named the virus LAV (Lymphadenopathy-Associated virus) by Luc Montagnier. In 1984 Robert Gallo change LAV into HTLV-III (Human T lymphotropic virus Type III).
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) originated from the genus Lentivirus is a retrovirus. HIV genetic material consists of only 2 single-stranded RNA that is identical with the reverse-transcriptase enzyme (reverse transcriptase), which catalyzes the formation of double-stranded DNA from a template of RNA. This virus has a capsid is enveloped RNA and back transcriptase enzyme. HIV capsid surrounded by an envelope membrane made of phospholipid molecules and has a bulge of glycoprotein gp 120. This envelope comes from the host cell plasma membrane. This virus has two strains of HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is the most virulent strains and the most widely spread. HIV has the target cells, especially cells that have receptors CD 4 as owned by T helper cells and cells makrofaga. HIV also requires co-receptor CCR5 or CXCR4 molecules are receptors for chemokines. Certain types of HIV variants more often use CCR5 to enter cells whereas macrophages are often in T-helper cells tend to use CXCR4. (Paper problematic treatment of AIDS AND HOW (presentation)),.

B. The spread of HIV / AIDS.
The spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) began in the mid to late 1970s, but it is considered there in Africa for many years. The first known cases in central Africa but death blamed on tuberculosis and other diseases. Epidemiological studies of HIV disease began in 1981 after the first outbreak of a rare form of cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in several cities in the U.S..
In 1982, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, USA, defines cancer syndrome and infectious diseases as the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS): as an understanding of the symptoms of advanced HIV infection emerged and there is a change in diagnosis, the CDC definition of AIDS several times changed. In 1983, the virus that causes AIDS was known in France: the first is named HTLV-III or LAV, and then converted into HIV.
Tests to find antibodies to HIV was developed in 1984, and this allows investigation of epidemiology in persons with AIDS or those with forms of HIV disease with or without symptoms. Global experience shows that while geography may slow the arrival of HIV, was not protective.
HIV / AIDS epidemic, the past two decades, has spread to over 190 countries in all continents. UNAIDS estimates that, at the end of 2000, there were 36.1 million people living with HIV / AIDS, with 90 percent in developing countries. The number of deaths due to AIDS since the beginning of the epidemic to 21.8 million. At the beginning of the HIV / AIDS, in the developing world, nearly all HIV infections occur in men.
This no longer applies to women more often infected with HIV. In 2000, UNAIDS estimates that more than 16.4 million women infected worldwide with HIV. Current data suggests that HIV emerged as the leading cause of death of adults aged 24-44 years in the vast areas in developed and developing world. (Http://www.wonosari.com/medis-f6/sejarah-penyebaran-virus- human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv-t2598.htm)

C. Immune System in Human Body.
As we know that in our bodies there is an immune system that always keeps our bodies from within. The immune system plays an important role in combating various types of bacteria, antigens - foreign antigens into the body. Main Tues immune system in our body are macrophages, various sub-classes and T-lymphocytes-B lymphocytes.
Utam role of macrophages in the eating microorganisms, and then destroy it and then exposed to the elements antigeniknya lymphocytes to induce immunity. Macrophages derived from stem cells and bone marrow function compile mononuclear phagocytic system. A large number of membrane receptors are most diverse enables macrophages to recognize foreign antigens in the body, a specific receptors of the Major histocompatibility Complex or MHC encoded by chromosome 6 in humans can join the antigen and is recognized by a combination of T-lymphocytes. Macrophages can destroy infected cells and tumor cells in cooperation with the antibody, the event is known as the "antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity" (aadc or sitioksisitas with intermediate cell-dependent antibody).
Lymphocytes are involved in various cellular immune reactions including contact on the skin sensitivity to the chemicals used, the reaction slow hypersensitivitas specific antigen. Activity of T-lymphocytes can be measured by measuring their ability due to the addition berpoliferasi certain extracts from plants (such as fitihemaglutinin plant mitogen or PHA). T-lymphocytes to various substances called limfokin intermediaries that can activate macrophages and other T-lymphocytes.
A-B lymphocyte cells can only make one type of antibody only with one particular spesifisiyas that need a lot of B-lymphocyte cells to recognize the many environmental antigens. Plasma cells contain a lot of "endoplasmic reticulum" which allows the synthesis of proteins accurately and in large numbers. Stimulation of cells-B lymphocytes usually requires stimulation of cells-T lymphocytes and also require MHC compatibility at this stage, especially in the secondary immune response after the expansion and development of klonal of imunologik memory. (Weir, DM 1986. AIDS to immunology (translation: Julius ES, Practical Aspects Immunology). Binarupa script, Grogol; Jakarta Barat)

D. Case development of HIV / AIDS in Sidoarjo Regency Year 2000-2006.
From the data we can from Sidoarjo District Health Office can be seen that people living with HIV / AIDS was ranked Sidoarjo diKabupaten to-3 after Surabaya and Malang. The number of people living with HIV / AIDS diKabupaten Sidoarjo in 2006 is still a lack of public knowledge about HIV / AIDS, especially people at high risk of HIV / AIDS such as WPS, transvestites, IDU, and GAY, and also an increase of drug users who use needles are also factor is the development of HIV / AIDS diKabupaten Sidoarjo.
Course of the disease and symptoms caused by HIV virus in people with HIV / AIDS are:
1. In the period of approximately 3 months after infection, the body has not completely formed antibodies, so blood tests do not show that the person has been infected with HIV. 3-month period is often called the window period.
2. The period without symptoms, the time (5 - 7 years), where blood tests have shown the existence of HIV antibody in the blood, HIV positive means, but at this time no symptoms that indicate the person is suffering from AIDS, or she looks healthy.
3. Period with symptoms, is often referred to as the period of AIDS. Symptoms of AIDS have emerged, and usually the patient can survive 6 months to 2 years and then died. Symptoms of HIV infection was initially difficult to identify because it often resembled a mild illness such everyday colds and diarrhea, so people look healthy. Sometimes in the first 6 weeks after contact infection is not typical symptoms include fever, fatigue, joint pain, swallowing pain and swollen lymph glands under the ears, armpits and groin. These symptoms usually heal itself, and until 4-5 years may not show symptoms.
In the year to 5 or 6 depending on each patient, began to arise over and diarrhea, weight loss is sudden, frequent canker sores in the mouth and swelling in the lymph nodes. Later stages will further weight loss occurs rapidly (> 10%), diarrhea continued for more than 1 month with a high fever intermittent or continuous.

E. Cucumbers.
Sea cucumbers sea animals and surname Echinodermata Holothuroidea class. Several types of soft-bodied and cylindrical elongated like a cucumber. Sea cucumbers are used is selected from the 1000 species of sea cucumber species in the world. It has a golden color (golden) and the history since hundreds of years ago has proved the efficacy of this type, both in health and beauty masalh.
In general, sea cucumber is an animal which contains a scented mucus was delicious, but has properties very unusual for health care. Efficacy of this type of sea cucumbers allegedly because docosahexanat acids (DHA) on cucumbers. DHA intake, the main fatty acids in sperm, brain, and retina of the eye-height can lower blood triglycerides cause of heart disease. It has been proven Zaiton Prof. Hassan, researchers from the Department of Food Science, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. Joint M. A Kaswandi, from the University Kebangsaan Malaysia, he investigated the fatty acid content chloronotus cucumber Stichopus. The result: cucumber DHA content is relatively high, ie 3.69%. (Poster, Edition: Sunday, 02 Juli 2006 17:12:52).
Many of the people with cancer who expect benefits from the sea cucumber species after Prof.. And Dr. Aleli Gana. Florinia Merca from Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Philippines, the Philippines discovered active compounds inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. The compound was called lectins. The study revealed, sea cucumbers on the concentration of 50 micrograms of agglomerate and block the growth of cancer cells. The same proved Jaime Rodriguez, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain. (Poster).

F. Sea Cucumber Jelly Extract for HIV / AIDS.
Importance of the immune system for people with HIV, so there is an effort to boost the immune system by giving a cucumber jelly extract. Based on the results of a study of a particular community who have problems with the immune system, extracts Jelly Teipang perfectly powerful blocking the HIV virus.
Latest Research Institute of Chemistry University of Los Banos, Philippines, revealing sea cucumbers can be an agent and as an antitumor drug Immunodefi siensy Human Virus (HIV). The most influential is the sugar called lectins. Lectins are mitogenik compounds or cells proliferate rapidly and antimicrobial. In addition, lectins effective against cancer, muscle cancer in mice and human lung with each dose of 5 and 50 micrograms. Lectins effect of HIV therapy because it can agglomerate bad cells. Was seen when tested in the laboratory by using lymphoid cells.
Sea cucumbers sea sand deposits from debris objects or organic mud on the seabed. He smoked, ate him, and what remains is a clean sand. The weapon of holotrin gases that are poisonous to fish, but only result in eye and skin irritation in humans. Because powerful kill fish, poison gamat is now developed as a natural antiseptic to fight cancer and infeksi.Berdasarkan research in various universities around the world, found that the golden sea cucumbers are efficacious as a medicine as a versatile and traditional antiseptic. From these studies proved that the sea cucumber or gamat contain "Cell Growth Factor" (cell regeneration factor) so as to stimulate regeneration or recovery of cells and tissue that have been damaged or decayed even sick, so being healthy or recovered. Sea cucumbers will grow rich in factors that can repair damaged cells. Content of up to 82% protein and essential fatty acids strengthen the efficacy of liver cells to remove antibodies. Because it is also sea cucumbers (gamat) is often called imunomodulator. Because of the high collagen content, sea cucumbers (gamat) potent cell regeneration brief. According to Drs. Zen, gamat soluble in water so that it directly absorbed in the liver without undergoing detoxification (Poster).
The people affected by HIV / AIDS is certainly decreasing the body's immune system or even death. Sea cucumbers contain "Cell Growth Factor" or cell regeneration factor, it is discovered after a study. State of sea cucumbers in Australia has been developed for the treatment of people affected by HIV / AIDS. Gynecologist "Cell Growth Factor" will stimulate the cells that die or damaged due to virus infection to improve himself. Besides factor "Cell Growth Factor" is found also that the sea cucumber contains high protein, ie 86.8% which works to strengthen the immune system as well as produce hormones and enzymes and other proteins function. (Http / / www.kalungbio-fir.comgoldg_pengakuandunia.php)
Use of Gamat (Sea Cucumber, Sea Cucumber) as traditional antiseptics and versatile drug for various diseases has been known since 500 years ago on the island of Langkawi, which is a small island in the Malay Peninsula (Malaysia). Usually, Gamat water drink to the woman after a pregnancy to stop the bleeding, and accelerate the wound healing process of circumcision on boys Langkawi Island community. At that time, the water is still processed Gamat that traditionally have a weakness, such as the color is not attractive, and smells. At present, our factory has discovered a high tech manufacturing that produces Gamat Gamat extract or product or Sea Cucumber Sea Cucumber (Sea Cucumber Jelly Extract) the quality, color clear and odorless, and does not reduce efficacy and the nutrients contained therein.
(http / / www.jeligamat.comindex.phptopic=penelitian).

CHAPTER III
Writing Method
1. Method writing
methods used in this Essay is the inductive method, which summarizes the facts - facts the public through literature study and then analyzed and conclusions drawn to solve the problem
2. Data Type
Types of data used to support the statement and the discussion of secondary data is needed. Secondary data obtained from various sources of library science and scientific information on the Internet that relate to objects.
3. Data analysis techniques
Analysis of data obtained by taking the essence of the various sources that refer to writing, then used to draw conclusions.

CHAPTER IV
Analysis and Synthetic
A. Ingredients are There to extract Sea Cucumber Jelly.
Ingredients contained in include Sea Cucumber Jelly Extract is a protein, which according to research results contained in the amount of protein is very large Teripang of 86%. Immune system experienced a state where the body is called immunodeficient state when our immune system attacked by foreign antigens.
Imunodefisinsi processes in our body system occurred during the two times, ie, primary immune deficiencies and secondary immune deficiency. Primary deficiency occurs while the baby as a decrease in IgG levels obtained from the mother. Events Hipogamaglobulinemia konginetal usually tied to the X chromosome or autosomal recessive, which generally trimbul the boys.
Secondary immune deficiency event occurs because of infection that occurs in lymphocytes, or macrophages, for example is the attack type 3 infection of HTLV Lymphadenopathy-associated virus or AIDS. In infection causing this secondary deficiency can lead to malnutrition, and also stimulates the growth of tumor cells caused secondary limfoproliferatif disease.
In medical studies, lectins have been found to have therapeutic effects on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The results of laboratory tests using lymphoid cells, showed that the plant lectins jacalin known as, are perfectly able to block the HIV virus. In addition to its ability to agglomerate cells very dangerous, lectins also act as indicators of the tumors.
Apart from Stichopus variegatus contain lectins also contain protein, collagen, Glukosaminoglykan (Gags), Condroitin, Mukapolisakarida, omega 3 and omega 6, amino acids, vitamin B, and other useful minerals (Potassium, Phosphorus, Chromium, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, Sodium ).
Proteins that generally serves to strengthen the immune system or the body's immune system and produce hormones and enzymes and other proteins function. While the benefits of mukapolisakarida is to help reduce inflammation and speed wound healing. Omega 3 and omega 6 serves to help improve the combustion energy and cell metabolism and maintain the system conducts nerve impulses and maintaining blood pressure.

B. How it Works Jelly Sea Cucumber Extract and effectiveness.
In a medical study, lectins found in Stichopus variegatus has a therapeutic effect on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The results of laboratory tests using lymphoid cells as the infected cells, indicating that the plant lectins jacalin known as, are perfectly able to block the HIV virus.
Cell Factor Growyh contained in the extract Sea Cucumber Jelly able to provide stimulus to the cells or tissue in the human body that have been damaged or decayed. With the Cell Growth Factor and the protein content of 86% can reduce the chance of further infection in people with HIV. Cell growth factor or factors will improve the cell regeneration of the body's immune system that have been infected with HIV, while the protein is contained will strengthen our immune system against HIV infection.
Tues T lymphocytes that have immune system deficiency state will easily attacked by diseases other than HIV. Latest Research Institute of Chemistry University of Los Banos, Philippines, revealing sea cucumbers can be an agent and as an antitumor drug Immunodefi siensy Human Virus (HIV). The most influential is the sugar called lectins. Lectins are mitogenik compounds or cells proliferate rapidly and antimicrobial. In addition, lectins effective against cancer, muscle cancer in mice and human lung with each dose of 5 and 50 micrograms. Lectins effect of HIV therapy because it can agglomerate bad cells. Was seen when tested in the laboratory by using lymphoid cells.

Chapter V
Closing
A. Conclusion
From the discussion that has been described can be drawn a conclusion that one alternative to improve the immune system of HIV / AIDS patients is to eat sea cucumber jelly extract, because the components in the extract of the jelly has the potential to enhance the immune system or the human immune and hinder further period as the infection people living with HIV and are perfectly able to block the HIV virus because, according to a study of therapeutic effects on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

B. Advice
1. Need more research conducted on cucumber jelly extract content.
2. Need to review the security level for people living with HIV while taking these extracts.
3. Need to research the effectiveness of sea cucumber jelly extract consume potentially enhance the immune system and prevent further HIV infections.
4. The need for the results before and after eating cucumber jelly extract in the form of tissue appearance (through X-rays or other means).

Bibliography
• Abirowo Tosan, Ryan Dita, et al. 2007. Problematic AIDS AND HOW PENGOBATANNYA.ppt. Sidoarjo: SMA MUHAMMADIYAH 2 SIDOARJO
• http://www. id. wikipedia.org / wiki / AIDS. Htm
• http://www. kswann. com / WhatisHIVAIDS.pdf
• http / / www.jeligamat.comindex.phptopic=penelitian
• http://www. aids-ina.org/modules.php? name = FAQ & myfaq = yes & id_cat = 1 & categories = HIV-AIDS.htm
• http://www. chem-is-try.org/artikel_kimia/berita/adakah_obat_untuk_hivaids_saat_ini/.htm
• Anonime. 2004. Fact Sheet on HIV / AIDS for people living with HIV / AIDS (HIV). http://www.spiritia.or.id/li/pdf/LIKomplet.pdf. [01 September 2009]
• http://www.wonosari.com/medis-f6/sejarah-penyebaran-virus-human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv-t2598.htm
• http / / www.kalungbio-fir.comgoldg_pengakuandunia.php
• Weir, D. M. 1986. AIDS to immunology (translation: Julius ES, Practical Aspects Immunology). Binarupa script, Grogol; Jakarta Barat

Plasma membrane structure

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background

Cell is the smallest fraction of an individual, who control all our activities. Cell has a very large role in our lives. Therefore, the cell will function well if all their needs fulfilled.
Cell has several bagia-part in it, one of which is the plasma membrane. Plasma membrane is one part of the cell serves to protect the cell nucleus and cytoplasm. Wrap the plasma membrane organelles in the cell plasma membrane transport is also a place for the cell, where the turnover of materials needed and not needed by cells to berreproduksi.
Plasma membrane itself is made up of fat and protein, plasma membrane thick approximately ± 8μm. Plasma membrane which has selective permeability, this membrane allows some substances can cross it easily than other substances.
Anatara cell membrane function to protect the contents of other cells, the cell membrane to maintain the contents befungsi regulate cell traffic molecules, the plasma membrane is selectively permeable means there are certain substances that can pass through membranes and some are not. The molecules are useful to maintain the life of the cell; as receptor stimulation from outside the cell, the stimulation of chemical substances such as hormones, poisons, electrical stimulation, and stimulation of cells mekanik.Bagian that serves as the receptor glycoprotein.



B. Problem formulation
1. Is that the plasma membrane?
2. How does the plasma membrane to work or function of the plasma membrane?
3. What are the transportation system contained in the plasma membrane?
4. What is passive transport and active transport it?
5.


C. Purpose
1.Untuk know the relationship between the plasma membrane function and structure of the plasma membrane.
Meet the prerequisites 2.Untuk UTS General Biology courses
D. Benefits
We get benefits after making this paper is the sense of our increasingly intertwined persaudaran stronger, we also know how important the cell membrane or plasma membrane of the cells in our bodies. Where the function of the plasma membrane itself is set up to maintain the contents of the cell traffic molecules, the plasma membrane is selectively permeable means there are certain substances that can pass through membranes and some are not.












Chapter II
Plasma Membrane Structure

A. Definition Plasma Membrane

Plasma membrane is the boundary of life, the boundaries separating the living from the surrounding cells that die. Thin layer of this extraordinary thickness of about ± 8μm. The task is to control the plasma membrane traffic in and out of cells dikelilinginya. Like a biological membrane, the plasma membrane which has selective permeability, this membrane allows some substances can cross it easily than other substances.
(Figure 1.1)

In 1972, Singer and E. S Nicolson says that the membrane is composed of layers of protein. Proteins are dispersed and each tersisip or lost in the double layer of phospholipids (phospholipid bilayer). Etrsisip protein between phospholipid bilayer proteins called ekstrinsk (peripheral). Peripheral proteins are hydrophilic, or draw water. Protein lost in the phospholipid bilayer protein called intrinsic (integral). These proteins are hydrophobic or reject water.



(Figure 1.2)

B. Plasma Membrane Structure

In 1925 Gortel & Grendel (1925) says that should be a phospholipid membrane bilayer. Gortel & Grendel measuring phospholipid content of membranes isolated from red blood cells and the amount of lipid found only enough to cover with two layers of cells.
(Figure 1.3)

(Figure 1.4)
If we assume that the phospholipid bilayer membrane is the main constituent, where we put the protein? Although the head of a phospholipid is hydrophilic, the surface of an artificial membrane composed of phospholipid bilayer attached less strongly to water than the actual biological membrane attachment. Davson & Danielli (1954) proposed a model of a sandwich, a phospholipid bilayer between two layers of globular proteins.
(Figure 1.5)

Phospholipids move through the membrane field quickly, about the size of 2μm length bacterial cells per second. Much larger protein than lipid and move more slowly, but some membrane proteins actually move. Part of membrane proteins and moves in a very directed, may be moved along the fibers of Cytoskeleton by motor proteins associated with the end sitosplasmik membrane.
A membrane remains fluid as the temperature of concrete falls, until finally at the critical temperature of phospholipid composition of sediment in a tight and frozen membrane.


(Figure 1.6)
Cholesterol is a steroid that was wedged between phospholipid molecules in the plasma membrane of animal help stabilize the membrane. At relatively warm temperatures at 37 ° C, cholesterol makes the membrane less fluid is by controlling the movement of phospholipids.
(Figure 1.7)

Integral protein is generally a transmembrane protein, with hydrophobic regions that stretched all the hydrophobic interior. Integral protein hydrophobic region consists of one or more non-polar stretch of amino acids which are usually rolled into the helix. Peripheral protein was not embedded in the lipid bilayer, this protein is a member of a loosely bound to the surface membrane.

(Figure 1.8)







C. Carbohydrates in Membrane

Introduction of cells is done by giving the key to the molecular surface. These molecules are often in the form of carbohydrates in the plasma membrane. Carbohydrates membrane usually branched oligosaccharide with less than 15 units of sugar. Some of the oligosaccharide is covalently bound to the lipid to form glycolipids. Most of the oligosaccharide is covalently bound to proteins and are called glycoproteins.
Maintain cell membrane components of the cell remained isolated from the outside environment. Cell membrane also serves as a medium of communication between the cells with the environment. Biological membrane organelles limit. In the cell, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, lysosomes, vesicles and vacuoles surrounded by a single biological membrane. Mitochondria and the nucleus is surrounded by two layers of membrane. Cell membrane are involved in regulating the flow of materials into and out of cells and mediate intercellular communication, adhesion and other functions.
Cell membrane is permeable to ions and polar molecules specific. Hydrophilic substance to avoid contact with the lipid bilayer by passing the protein across the membrane transport. Some functions of membrane proteins is (Campbell et al., 2000):
Membrane 1.Protein stretching hidofilik provide a channel through the membrane that is selective for a particular solute. ATP hydrolysis by several transport proteins to pump substances across the membrane actively.
2.Protein inside membrane may be an enzyme with its active side exposed to the substances in the solution side.
3.Protein membrane may have a binding site with a specific form according to the mesenjer forms of chemical, such as hormone. Signal can cause a protein conformational change that channel message to the inside of the cell.
4.Protein membranes of adjacent cells may be linked together in various forms of junctions.
5.Beberapa glycoprotein functions as identification labels that specifically recognized by other cells.
6.Mikrofilamen Cytoskeleton or other elements may be bound to the membrane proteins. This is a function that helps memperahankan cell shape and determine the location of certain membrane proteins. Protein closer to the extracellular matrix may coordinate extracellular and intracellular changes.
Diffusion is an event due to thermal motion. Thermal motion is the kinetic energy possessed intrinsic molecules. In the diffusion in the absence of other forces, a substance will diffuse from high concentration to lower concentration. Every substance will diffuse down the concentration gradient. Events desebut diffusion passive transport, because the cells do not have to spend energy. Concentration gradient itself is the direct potential energy diffusion.
Hypertonic solution is a solution with solute concentration is higher. While a solution with lower solute is hypotonic. Solution with the concentration of the same solute is called isotonic. Diffusion of water across selectively permeable membrane is an event of osmosis. Water diffuses through the membrane from hypotonic solution to hypertonic solution.
Some transport proteins can move solutes against their concentration gradient across the plasma membrane from one side of a concentration of less terlarutnya to the concentration of the higher terlarutnya. This process is in need enrgi called active transport.
Work done by the active transport of specific proteins that are embedded in the membrane. ATP provides energy for most active transport. ATP terminal phosphate transfer directly to the transport protein. This causes the protein to be konformasinya change mentranslokasikan a solute that is bound to proteins across membranes.





CHAPTER III
Plasma Membrane Functions

A. Plasma Membrane Function

Plasma membrane is very important unuk maintain cell life. Anatara cell membrane function to protect the contents of other cells, the cell membrane to maintain the contents befungsi regulate cell traffic molecules, the plasma membrane is selectively permeable means there are certain substances that can pass through membranes and some are not. The molecules are useful to maintain the life of the cell; as receptor stimulation from outside the cell, the stimulation of chemical substances such as hormones, poisons, electrical stimulation, and stimulation of cells mekanik.Bagian that serves as the receptor glycoprotein.
A soft traffic of small molecules and ions move across the plasma membrane in both directions. Note the chemical exchange between the muscle cells with extracellular fluid is soaked. Sugars, amino acids and other nutrients into the cell, and metabolic waste products leave the cell. Cells absorb oxygen for cellular respiration and remove carbon dioxide. The cell was also set anorganiknya ion concentration, such as Na +, K +, Ca2 +, and Cl-, by turning him from one direction to another direction across the plasma membrane. Although the traffic through this dense membrane, the cell membrane selectively permeable, and the substances can not cross these obstacles arbitrarily. These cells can take a variety of small molecules and ions and reject others. In addition, the substances move across the membrane at a speed different.




B. Traffic Across Membranes which

Biological membrane is a perfect example of Supramolecular structures are organized into levels of higher organization with new properties that appear over the properties of individual molecules.
A traffic consisting of small molecules and ions that move across the plasma membrane in both directions. Sugars, amino acids and other nutrients into the cell, and metabolic waste products leave the cell. Although this traffic through a solid membrane, the cell membrane selectively permeable, and the substances can not be crossed these obstacles arbitrarily. In addition, the substances move across the membrane at a speed different.
Lipid Bilayer permeability
Hydrophobic core of membrane transport of ions and blocking polar molecules that are hydrophilic. Hydrophobic molecules, such as hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and oxygen can be dissolved in the membrane and cross it with ease. Lipid Bilayer not very permeable to uncharged polar molecules larger, such as glucose and other sugars. Bilayer is also relatively non-permeable to all ions, although small ions such as H and Na.
Protein Transport
Cell membrane is permeable to ions and polar molecules specific. Hydrophilic substance to avoid contact with the lipid bilayer with transport proteins through the membentangi (across) the membrane. A number of transport protein function that has a hydrophilic channel that is used by certain molecules to pass through the membrane. As for other transport proteins that bind the compounds and physically carried him across the membrane menggerakannya.





(Figure 2.1)


Cell membranes are semipermeable, which controls the movement of materials to and from outside the cell. Transport through the cell membrane can be divided into two types, namely passive transport and active transport.
Passive transport
Passive transport is the transport that does not require energy occurs because of differences in concentration between the solution with a solution of one another. Passive transport are divided into two kinds, namely diffusion and osmosis.
Diffusion is the movement of a substance from a highly concentrated solution (hypertonic) to solutions that have a low concentration (hypotonic) so that its concentration becomes equal or balanced.
(Figure 2.2)

While osmosis is the movement of water from the solutions that have low concentrations (hipotonis) to a solution that has a high concentration (hipertonis) through a semipermeable membrane. Osmotis pressure is the pressure needed to prevent the water moves through a semipermeable membrane, osmotis pressure contained in a solution called osmotis potential.
Active Transport
Active transport is the opposite of passive transport and is not spontaneous. Direction of the displacement of this transport against a concentration gradient. Active transport requires the help of several proteins, examples of proteins involved in active transport include carrier proteins and channel proteins, as well as ionophore.
Which include active transport is coupled carrier, ATP driven pumps, and light driven pumps. In using coupled active transport carriers known two terms, namely simporter and antiporter. Simporter are proteins that transport both in the same direction subtrat, seadangkan antiporter second subtrat transfer in the opposite direction.

C. Eksositosis and endocytosis transport large molecules

Water and solute entering and leaving the cell by crossing the plasma membrane lipid bilayer, or with pumped or transported across the membrane by a protein transport. Large molecules such as proteins and polysaccharides, generally across the membrane by different mechanisms involving vasikula. Tues secrete macromolecules vasikula by combining with the plasma membrane, is called eksositosis. Transport vesicles are separated from the Golgi apparatus was moved by the Cytoskeleton to the plasma membrane. When the membrane vesicles and the plasma membrane meet, the second lipid bilayer molecules rearrange themselves so that the two membranes joined. Gynecology vesikulanya then spilled out of the cell.
In endocytosis, macromolecules enter the cell and a very small matter in a way mambentuk new vesicles from the plasma membrane. A small portion of plasma membrane area sank into a bag shape. Once more in this bag, the bag is squeezed, forming vesicles that contain material that has been found outside the cell.
There are three types of endocytosis: phagocytosis (pemakanan mobile (cellular eating)), pinositosis (potation mobile (cellular drinking)), and receptor-mediated endocytosis.
In phagocytosis, cells swallowing a particle with a pseudopod wrapped around these particles and wrapped in a padded bag-membrane large enough to be classified as a vacuole bias.
These particles digested after joining the lysosome vacuoles containing hydrolytic enzymes. In pinositosis, cell "sipping" extracellular fluid droplets in small vesicles. Because one or all of the solute dissolved in the droplets is inserted into the cell, non-specific pinositosis in ditranspornya substance. In contrast, receptor-mediated endocytosis is very specific. Which is embedded in the membrane is a protein with a specific receptor exposed to the extracellular fluid. Bound to extracellular receptors called ligand, a general term for any molecule that bound specifically to the receptor molecule where else. Receptor protein are usually clustered in membrane regions called coated membrane, which side is coated by a layer sitoplasmiknya Samara proteins. These coating proteins may help to deepen the hole and form vesicles.
Receptor-mediated endocytosis allows cells to acquire specific substance in a number of abundant, though iu substance may not be high concentration in the extracellular fluid. Vesicles not only transports the substance between the cell and its surroundings, these vesicles also provides a mechanism for memudakan and reshape the plasma membrane. Endocytosis and continuously eksositosis occur to some degree in most eukaryotic cells, but the amount of plasma membrane in cells that do not grow rather constant for a long time. Presumably, penembahan membrane by a process of membrane loss offset by other processes.
Pinositosis movement is brought into fluid materials, in particular extracellular fluid. First time, the plasma membrane to form a curve in a region in the membrane layer. This curve becomes more profound, and eventually will form a curve that contains fluid vesicles. Through this vesicle fluid ekstrseluler brought into the cell.

D. Relationship Between Plasma Membrane Function in Plasma Membrane Structure

Cell membrane is often also called the plasma membrane. Cell membrane is the outer part that limits the content of the surrounding cells (except in plant cells, there are outer cell wall or cell wall).
Cell membrane of a thin layer of remarkable. Thickness of about 8 nm. 8000 needed to match the cell membrane of the thick paper that we usually use to write.
Lipid and protein is the main constituent material of the membrane, although carbohydrates are also important elements. Combined lipids and proteins called lipoproteins. We have an acceptable model for the preparation of molecules in a membrane-molekultersebut is the fluid mosaic model.
Cell membrane is not a rigid sheet or silent and tied in place or solid mosaic. However, the cell membrane is a fluid membrane structure or the fluid mosaic mosaic, which is a model that has a membrane constituent molecules are constantly moving and has a varied constituent molecules and randomly arranged, such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
Fluid nature of membranes can be made to work and perform its function properly. Cell membrane is fluid because the activities of the movement of constituent molecules. The molecules on the membrane (primarily phospholipid) in constant motion and move randomly. Phospholipids move with high speed, whereas proteins larger move slowly. Lipids move laterally or laterally in two dimensions on a membrane. This movement often occur. Another form of movement with the movement of exchange places in three dimensions, but such movement is rare. Movement of proteins that often happens is that the rotational and lateral diffusion.
Membrane fluidity can be maintained at low temperature with the unsaturated phospholipid because it has a tangled structure of lipids that phospholipids are not easily freeze. cholesterol between phospholipid molecules in the plasma membrane and helps stabilize the membrane. In warm temperatures, cholesterol makes the membrane is less fluid. Besides cholesterol also inhibit the cell membrane in freezing low temperatures.
Not only the cell membrane composed of lipids, but there are other molecules, including proteins and carbohydrates. Composition of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates are scattered and random, so that the plasma membrane are said to be mosaic. Membrane protein consists of two main types namely, integral proteins embedded in a double layer of phospholipids and peripheral protein embedded in phospholipid layer or attached to the integral proteins, as well as trans-membrane proteins across membranes. Carbohydrate molecules found in the form of glycolipids (covalent bond between the oligosaccharide with lipid) and glycoproteins.
1.Sistem Endomembran
Endomembran system is in the membrane system (membrane surrounding the organelles) found in the cell and continuous (connected) to one another. Membranes that are covered endomembran system connected through a direct physical connection or through a transfer through the vesicle membrane segments or vesicles (small bubble-wrapped membrane). Endomembran system (the membrane system) only found in eukaryotic cells. Endomembran system includes the nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, various types of vacuoles and the plasma membrane.
Membrane Function 1.Kontinuitas and Endomembran
Between the membrane and interconnected endomembran (continuous) to perform a function, one of which is the product or macromolecule secretion out of cells through the relationship between the organelles with the plasma membrane. The process is as follows:
5 mins: Product or sekretori proteins contained in the endoplasmic reticulum endomembran line will pass through from the cell through several other endomembran organelles. The first time, the product will go through a rough endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi complex. Products to the Golgi complex with the help of transport vesicles. After reaching the Golgi complex, the product will be forwarded to the outside of the cell by transport vesicles.
20 mins: Products derived from the Golgi complex, more and more transported by vesicles. In the picture, there are about 3 that have been filled vesicles to be secreted products from the cell.
40 mins: Products of vesicles around Golgi gradually transported via other vesicles to the plasma membrane. When the membrane vesicles with the plasma membrane meet, phospholipid molecules in a double layer of membrane rearrange membrane structure so that the two membranes together. As a result there are products that will be spilled in the vesicles from the cell.









CHAPTER IV
CLOSING
A. Conclusion
Plasma membrane or cell membrane is composed of fat and protein molecules. Fat molecule consists of two layers are located in the middle of the membrane. On the exterior there is a layer of peripheral proteins (protein bank), which make up the outer and inner membrane. In addition to peripheral proteins, there are also molecules of a certain protein that comes into the layer of fat. There are even coming up through two layers of fat. Protein into the fat layer is called the integral proteins. In certain places are limited pore formed by protein molecules. Thickness ranges from the plasma membrane 5-10nm.
Protein and fat molecules that are not static, but constantly moving. Fat molecule can be imagined as a "liquid" is on top and inside the protein molecule that "swimming-pool". That's why such a membrane structure called the "fluid mosaic".
Fats are composed of membrane phospholipids (fatty bersenyawa with phosphate), glycolipids (bersenyawa fats with carbohydrates), and sterols (bersenyawa fat and cholesterol). While membrane proteins composed of glycoproteins (proteins with carbohydrate bersenyawa).



B. SUGGESTIONS

The cell membrane or plasma membrane is an important role in the lives of us all, because the cell membrane serves to protect all the organelles within the cell. If there is one that damaged cells then other cells will berreproduksi to replace these damaged cells.
Take care of health is one way to keep cells healthy and working well. If the cell membrane or plasma membrane of a cell is damaged then the cells also were damaged, it is because there is nothing to protect the organelles inside the cell if the plasma membrane is damaged.



Bibliography

Campbell, 2002. Biology. Translations, the fifth edition. Publisher.

http://www.information-centre-dhyayi.blogspot.com / 200710membran-plasma.html, October 26, 2007.

Dwisang, Luvina Evi, 2007. Inti Sari Biology. Publisher Scientific Press. Ciputat. Tangerang.

WEIRD SPINES!! Sometimes there's even questions the Echinoblog can't answer!

So, the other day, a colleague of mine, sent a pic of the above spines, collected from Wake Island in the tropical Pacific. They are deformed in ways that I am completely unfamiliar.

Here's a picture of the species that they spines are from (Heterocentrotus trigonarius)
Anyone out there have any experience with weird-ass melted sea urchin spines??

Monday, December 7, 2009

The Echinoderm Christmas Tree?? Antarctic Cidaroid Sea Urchins!!!

Today, another SPECIAL Holiday-Themed Echinoblog!!! Allow me to explain!

I was just thinking about this:
Are there any kinds of echinoderms that are kinda like Christmas trees? They originate in cold places and you hang all sorts of weird crap on their branches???

hmmm.....YES!

Antarctic Cidaroid SEA URCHINS!!

Most people by now are probably saying "Okay, I'm not sure I understand a LOT of those words you just said"

So here's the Breakdown: There's sea urchins that live in Antarctica (and elsewhere-mostly in the deep-sea) that belong to a group known as the Cidaridae.

Cidaroid sea urchins are one of the more prominent groups found in the cold waters of the Antarctic and do some odd things. But what makes them of interest here is the LACK of skin on their spines!

"What? I didn't know sea urchins had skin on their spines????"

YES. Here is close up pic of a sea urchins spine. Notice the blue line around it?? ALL echinoderms, including sea urchins are actually COVERED by a thin, ciliated epidermis.

This epidermis is the primary reason most echinoderms you see don't get covered in encrusting organisms like algae or small grit and how stuff seems to flow over their body surface.
ALL groups of sea urchins have this epidermis EXCEPT for one group! The Cidaroids. Strangely enough, cidaroid sea urchins LACK a layer of epidermal covering on their spines!!!

As a result, some cidaroid sea urchin spines have become the substrate for encrusting animals that settle as larvae and cover over the spines!!

Thus, the sea urchin becomes a kind of host for a huge diversity of organisms! (shown here-and below is Austrocidaris)
What kinds of animals hang off these sea urchin spines the same way that lights and holly balls hang off a Christmas tree branch??
Here we got serpulid worm tubes of various sizes
....AND we got SPONGES that form around the spines, in and around the worm tubes!!

In addition to those-other encrusting animals recorded living on these spines include bryozoans, hydroids, small crustaceans, sea cucumbers (!), bivalves and foraminifera!

Multiple kinds of cidaroid sea urchins are known to host these many animal "decorations"! The one shown here is Austrocidaris, but others include (but are not limited to) Rhynchocidaris and Ctenocidaris.

But these "decorations" do MORE then just give the urchin that fine finished look!!! They can actually AFFECT the diversity of the area around it!!!

One study by Heterier et al. which focused on cidaroid sea urchins in the Weddel Sea found that the presence of these sea urchins actually PROMOTED higher species richness of these encrusting animals and increased their overall abundance!!

How does THAT work??
It turns out that the sea urchin spine surface is a ATTRACTIVE surface for encrusting animals to live!!

Why?
Most of these encrusting animals are filter feeders (i.e., they pick food out of the water) and living on sea urchin spines lifts them into the water water column and off the gritty, dirty bottom! Its all about prime real estate baby!

So, it is hypothesized that these different species of encrusting critters are actually MORE EFFECTIVE at selectively locating sea urchin spines to settle upon then on general rocky bottoms! These species become more "specialized" in finding a place to live.
BUT, the more "generalized" encrusting animals are left to settle on rocks in the surrounding area. So, the presence of urchins AND rocks apparently separates different SPECIES of these animals!

However, it does not alter the actual composition of overall diversity (i.e., many different kinds of foraminiferan species may settle but not different phyla of organisms).


So, the "decorations" on some of these cidaroid sea urchins can change (however subtly) the composition and richness of its surroundings !!!

Ha!

Can a "normal" Christmas tree do that?
You decide.

Happy Holidays from the Echinoblog!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

The 2009 Echinoblog Book XMAS List!

So, at around this time last year I blogged about a selection of echinoderm-themed books that I could recommend that might be useful or at least enjoyable to the general public as well as academic personnel. For this reason, I have avoided listing textbooks and/or taxonomic monographs.


Maybe these are for the echinoderm enthusiast in your personal social circle or family? Or maybe its just a special somethin' somethin' for you? Or you just want to recommend a bunch of books to your local natural history library?? Who knows??

As with last year I have some notes on book selection:
My criteria were:
  1. The books included echinoderms in some dedicated way
  2. Books were widely available (usually through Amazon.com)
  3. I can in some way vouch for the starfish identifications OR I think the book has some overall value...
  4. Disclaimer: There's a lot of ID guide/field guide books that I either use and/or recommend-but these fit the immediate criteria. The absence of a book is not meant as a slight. It may simply be out of print, hard to come by, etc.
...and AWAY we go!!

1. Sea Stars: Echinoderms of the Asia/Indo-Pacific by Neville Coleman
What it is: Noted marine biology photographer and naturalist Neville Coleman assembles 136 pages packed full of tropical-temperate shallow-water echinoderms!! Starfish, Brittle stars, Sea Urchins, Crinoids and Sea Cucumbers are all prominently featured in a clear taxon by taxon layout that features them in brilliant color on glossy paper.

Although it wasn't clear to me that all the photos have been verified by experts, I know that venerable echinoderm grand dame Loisette Marsh has done many of the sea stars-and that's good enough for me!

Where to get: This can be purchased through Neville Coleman's website here and retails for about 60.00 AUS (=56.00 USD) plus shipping.


2. Treasures of the Tropic Seas by Rene Catala.

What it is: Although out-of-print, this remains one of the most unique "coffee-table" type picture books available. Written by Rene Catala (who is now deceased I believe) the former curator of the Aquarium in Noumea, New Caledonia, this book includes MANY beautiful photos of rare and unusual echinoderms from the South Pacific. Specifically New Caledonia.

There are great pictures of the giant Thromidia as well as Luidia and Euretaster in life, doing things that you would NEVER expect to see them doing. Well, worth it, if you can find it.

Plus you get pictures of worms, crabs, and other marine invertebrate stuffs. So a bargain!!

Where to get: As mentioned, OOP, but can currently be found at Amazon for a range between 13-35.00 although I have seen it go as high as 60.


3. A Field Guide to the Marine Invertebrates of South Australia
by Karen Gowlett Holmes
What it is: Karen Gowlett Holmes is a biologist who works for the Australian CSIRO-the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and has done a great job documenting the invertebrate fauna of South Australia.

This is a field guide for a regional fauna in the Southern Hemisphere, which may not be useful to you, as a guide text, if say, you live in northern Europe, but its a cool book and figures MANY fascinating animals that you wouldn't see unless you were doing hundreds of hours of diving in South Australia. Its 333 pages of full color-glossy photographs of temperate water marine invertebrates!! Its the love baby!

What's also unusual about this book is its fidelity. All the animals in this book are vouchered at the South Australian Museum and are formally documented.

Where to get: This can be easily purchased from the authors via Ebay and other natural history book dealers. About 70-75.00 AUS.


4. Sea Stars and Brittle Stars In Japanese Waters by Masaki Saba, Seiichi Irimura with pictures by Isamu Soyama
What it is: There is a dazzling shallow-water echinoderm fauna in Japanese waters-from both tropical and temperate zones and I don't think that most western people realize just how rich it is because of the very distinct cultural gap between Asia (and Japan) versus English-speaking communities. This book does a LOT to show the diversity of starfish and brittle stars from this region.

This book is AWESOME! Beautiful photographs, including several of relatively rare species, including the stunning cover photo of Asterodiscides japonicus but is limited to asteroids and ophiuroids. No sea urchins, holothurians, or crinoids. That being said, there's a lot more room to show variation in color and form. 135 pages (in JAPANESE) of full color photographs. As the Japanese say YATTAH!

Where to get: At first, getting a Japanese book seems daunting, so that's why I'm making it easy for you. Amazon.com JAPAN will accept purchases from English-speaking countries (e.g., the United States) on an English translated website There are certain things to expect of course, increased shipping cost, and etc. but the book is WORTH it. Its a relatively inexpensive book going for only 2520 Yen (=about 29.00 USD) plus shipping.

5. In Deeper Waters by E.H. Chave and A. Malahoff.
What it is: This is one of those kinds of great books that bridges the gap between the hard science and a digestable, public educational product that an interested person can understand.

Basically, its an introductory guide to the operations of the Hawaiian deep-sea operations and diversity operated by my friends at the Hawaiian Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. It starts out with an intro to submersible operations and geology but the great majority o the book is about deep-sea Hawaiian animals.

There's easily 10 pages full of deep-sea echinoderms to enjoy! Not all of them are correctly identified-but many of them are-and the pictures are good. The latter half of the book is an extended table listing new occurrences and data for deep-sea Hawaiian animals, including invertebrates as well as fish.

Its a useful book for all around!

Where to get: Available via Amazon.com, and can be picked up used for as little as 4.00-but nice paperback and hardcover copies are also available as well as Booklines Hawaii.

Got more? Got recommendations?? Let me know!

Monday, November 30, 2009

WHEN STARFISH ATTACK!!!! TIME LAPSE VIDEO DAY!!!!

First...Go HERE and see this AWESOME video of Antarctic Starfish [Odontaster validus (99% of the ones in the pic) and some Lysasterias (the big white one) thrown in for good measure] feeding on the dead carcass of a dead seal pup!! Ha! take that mammals! And there's some big Antarctic nemertine worms (probably Parborlasia corrugatus) thrown in for good measure!!

What??? You want MORE time lapse???! Here's some Canadian Atlantic species thrown in for good measure! Looks like primarily Leptasterias polaris (big 6 rayed beast) and Solaster endeca (8-12 armed one with stripes)And to the music of Benny Hill no less!



And yet, EVEN MORE Time Lapse video?? here ya'go! A tiny aquarium asterinid extending its stomach out onto the glass to feed!



Finally, here's some Patiria miniata gliding over the bottom of the Pacific!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Video & Images from the Census of Marine Life Big Wrap Up!

So, the big Census of Marine Life is racing towards its final year in 2010 and a big end-of the year press release has hit the media, including the video below!

If ya' skip over all of the jellies and other non-echinoderm (but still pretty cool) animals, towards the end is a GREAT video of the swimming sea cucumber Enypniastes from the Gulf of Mexico!! (shown above):


There's been a flurry of "best of" type photos, including this cool shot of a bunch of brisingids (Novodinia spp.) and a goniasterid (looks like Evoplosoma) perched on a bunch of deep-sea corals in and around New Zealand (>1000 m based on the original captions).
Its a light Echinoblog week but here in the US, its Thanksgiving week, and everything is just a little bit slower! Especially with everything getting colder and darker!

There will continue to be sporadic, light posts this week..with next week back to "normal"...

Enjoy!