Credit: llustration by Eric Taylor, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
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.