Intraspecific variation in peroxide tolerance of adult and regenerating Nematostella vectensis

Nematostella vectensis collected from estuaries in Kingsport, Nova Scotia; Great Sippewissett Marsh, Falmouth, MA; Meadowlands, NJ; and Baruch, SC, were used to establish clonal lines by repeatedly bisecting anemones and allowing them to regenerate. The animals' resistance to hydrogen peroxide exposure was evaluated by monitoring tentacle number in adult animals or by monitoring tentacle development in regenerating anemones. Adult anemones were exposed to 0.0005% H₂O₂ (163 µM) in 1/3 artificial sea water or control conditions (1/3 artificial sea water) for 14 days, while regenerating anemones were exposed to half that peroxide concentration (0.00025% or 82 µM) or control conditions, again for 14 days_. Tentacle counts were taken once per day.