Algal Morpho‐Inducers

Abstract

Algal morpho-inducers are factors (either physical or chemical) that can modify the morphology of macroalgae, or in turn, be chemical compounds produced by macroalgae, that can modify the development of surrounding organisms (animals, other algae or plants). Through several examples of the ancient or more recent literature, this chapter illustrates the complexity of this field, as chemical morpho-inducers are difficult to identify because of the multiple synergistic or interference effects which are at play in the marine environment, the presence of commensal bacteria with yet uncharacterized morphogenetic activities, and the biodiversity of cellular signaling mechanisms.