The objective of this project is to investigate the effects of climate change on the secondary metabolism, amino acid profile and antioxidant capacity of seagrasses, with the ensuing ecological implications.
Specific objectives of the project are:
1. To develop, for the first time, the methodologies for the discrimination of phenolic compounds, alkaloids, amino acids and soluble sugars in seagrasses.
2. To investigate the effects of altered carbon: nitrogen ratios in the profiles of phenolic compounds, alkaloids, amino acids, soluble sugars and antioxidant molecules, under scenarios of high-CO2 and different nitrogen availabilities.
3. To determine the implications of altered primary and secondary metabolite profiles in seagrass stress responses and in the defense against epiphytes and herbivores.
