The Caribbean tunicate, Ecteinascidia turbinata, provides a good example of the biomedical potential of marine natural products. This mangrove tunicate produces a novel compound, Ecteinascidin 743, with anticancer activity. The mechanism of action is novel, but poorly understood. Since these small animals lack the biomass to be a sustainable resource, the species is currently the focus of several mariculture ventures. Images Courtesy of the Twilight Zone Expedition Team 2007, NOAA-OE.
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Cayman Islands Twilight Zone 2007
