Figure 2. Caspase activities and quantitative analysis of StyBcl-2-like and StyCasp.

Fragments of S.pistillata were placed in two aquaria (control at 24°C and thermal stress at 32°C in Exp. 1 and 2, or 34°C in Exp. 3). Fragments from both aquaria were sampled over 72 h (Exp. 1, n = 4), over 216 h (Exp. 2, n = 6) or over 168 h (Exp. 3, n = 6). Results are expressed as means ± SE of independent extractions from distinct fragments incubated in control (white) or subjected to thermal stress (gray). Values were tested by One-Way ANOVA and a t-test. Asterisks indicate significant difference between control and thermal stress of the same time point (* represents P<0.05, ** represents P<0.01, and *** represents P<0.001). (A) Caspase 3-like activities were assayed by fluorometric method using Ac-DEVD-AFC, measured in relative units of fluorescence (RFU's), and expressed as RFU/µg protein⁻¹ h⁻¹. (B), (C) Quantitative analysis of StyBcl-2-like and StyCasp expression, respectively, normalized to adenosyl-homocysteinase (AdoHcyase).