4. Discussion
One of the challenges in interpretation of coral histology is our
rudimentary knowledge of the cell types that comprise the
animal and the lack of cell-specific markers (Work et al., 2008).
In this study, we showed that lectins will target specific cellular
and subcellular structures in M. capitata. As such, they could
prove useful in targeted studies to better understand host
physiology. For example, investigators with an interest in reproductive
physiology of corals could monitor the lectin chemistry
of gonadal development and maturation using lectins that stain
specific structures such as PNA for perivitelline or periseminal
cell cytoplasm, LEA for perivitelline cell granules, or PHA-L for
perivitelline or periseminal cell basal lamina. Likewise, studies
of digestive physiology could take advantage of lectins that
specifically target the actinopharynx such as PNA for epidermal
or gastrodermal cell granules, and UEA for epidermal cytoplasm
and ciliae. Lectins such as PNA or UEA may also prove useful to
further our understanding of nematocyst physiology and