Tectitethya crypta

Tectitethya crypta
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Porifera
Class: Demospongiae
Order: Hadromerida
Family: Tethyidae
Genus: Tectitethya
Species: T. crypta
Binomial name
Tectitethya crypta
(de Laubenfels, 1949)

Tectitethya crypta (formerly known as Cryptotethya crypta and Tethya crypta) is a species of demosponge belonging to the family Tethyidae.[1] It is a massive, shallow-water sponge found in the Caribbean Sea.[2][3] Oftentimes, it is covered in sand and algae.[2][3]

The nucleosides spongothymidine and spongouridine were isolated from this sponge, providing the basis for anti-viral and anti-cancer drugs like Aciclovir.[2][3]

References

  1. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=170927
  2. 1 2 3 Cerrano, Carlo; Pansini, Maurizio; Valisano, Laura; Calcinai, Barbara; Sarà, Michele; Bavestrello, Giorgio (2004). "Lagoon sponges from Carrie Bow Cay (Belize): Ecological benefits of selective sediment incorporation" (PDF). Boll. Bus. Ist. Biol. Univ. Genova 68: 239–252. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 Patricia R. Bergquist (1978). Sponges. University of California Press. p. 205. ISBN 978-0-520-03658-1. Retrieved 23 June 2012.


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