Question

Scuba divers and snorkelers are advised not to touch coral. Why do you think this might be? Why might it be of interest to medicinal chemists?

Answer 1

Divers during contact with coral, can injure the sensitive delicate coral polyps and introducing bacterial infections can kill the entire. the coral heads.

Corals contains a thin membrane which can be punctured when touched by Scuba divers and snorkelers. The thin membane once is punctured, there is a possibility of infection. During contact, toxins are released . ( for example, Jellyfish carries nematocysts which inject tiny syringes of the toxin into anything that activates them). This can lead to rashes and gives stinging sensation which can last for several weeks. This needs medicail intervention of wsahing the infected area with vinegar.