S.A.Ostroumov. A new class of molecules that regulate the bioenergetics of the biosphere: ecological chemoregulators.

- Ecological Studies, Hazards, Solutions, 2006, Vol. 11, p. 1516. Bibliogr. 4 refs (in English). http://scipeople.ru/uploads/materials/4389/Text.2006.volume11.doc; : Ecological Studies, Hazards, Solutions, 2006, Vol. 11, page 15-16. ( -: http://scipeople.ru/uploads/materials/4389/Text.2006.volume11.doc; http://www.scribd.com/doc/.../)

A NEW CLASS OF MOLECULES THAT REGULATE THE BIOENERGETICS OF THE BIOSPHERE: ECOLOGICAL CHEMOREGULATORS. S.A.Ostroumov
Department of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow 119991 Almost all aspects of life are engineered at the molecular level. Francis Crick (1916-2004)

As a result of our studies in the area of frontiers between biochemistry and ecology [1-3], we have identified a new class of molecules that fulfill an important biological function. Those molecules form a structurally diverse group of chemical substances. What unites those structurally diverse molecules is their function. They all contribute to forming a certain pattern of the trophic chains and trophic webs in the biosphere. The trophic chains are channels through which the flows of matter and energy occur in the biosphere. Therefore the molecules regulate the energy flows together with other factors (both biotic and abiotic) which influence the patterns of geochemical flows in the biosphere. We baptized those molecules under the name of 'ecological chemoregulators' and 'ecological chemomediators' [1]. The latter term underlines the fact that many of those molecules serve as mediators in the interactions among organisms. Usually a principal distinction is seen between the natural molecules that have the function of a regulator and the molecules of xenobiotics that may produce a significant biological effects on organisms. However both classes of molecules (natural ecological chemoregulators and man-made xenobiotics) have something in common: the both classes of molecules produce some pronounced bioeffects when they interact with the target organisms. Therefore we introduced also the term 'ecological chemoeffectors' [1-3]. The basic postulate that is to be supported or rejected by further research is: The ecological chemoeffectors are potent factors that can improve or deteriorate the ecological balance in the biosphere. The flows of energy through trophic chains are an important part of the bioenergetics of the biosphere.

The area of science to study the biochemical aspects of the biosphere, including the role of the molecules of ecological chemoregulators, forms a special scientific discipline. We suggested to consider that discipline as biochemical ecology. When the role of molecules in regulating aquatic ecosystems is studies, we consider that area of science as biochemical

hydrobiology [4 ]. The role of all those molecules as factors that regulate the energetics of the biosphere will attract more attention in future as the risk of global change and global warming becomes more visible. REFERENCES:
[1] Ostroumov S.A. Introduction to Bio-Chemical Ecology. 1986. M.: Moscow University Press. 176 p. [2] Telitchenko M.M., Ostroumov S.A. Introduction to Problems of Bio-chemical Ecology: Biotechnology, Agriculture, Environment. 1990. Nauka Press, Moscow. 288 p. [3] Ostroumov S.A. Concepts of biochemical ecology: ecological chemomediators, ecological chemoregulators, ecological chemoeffectors // Ecological Studies, Hazards, Solutions. 2003. Vol. 6. P.105-107. [4] Ostroumov S.A. Facts and concepts of ecology. 1. New scientific disciplines: biochemical ecology and biochemical hydrobiology. // Ecological Studies, Hazards, Solutions. 2004. Vol. 7. P. 106-111.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES, LATER PUBLICATIONS: http://www.scribd.com/doc/61828106/8-Key-Discoveries; On the Concepts of Biochemical Ecology and Hydrobiology: Ecological Chemomediators. Contemporary Problems of Ecology, 2008, Vol. 1, No. 2, p. 238244. http://scipeople.com/publication/67236/; http://www.scribd.com/doc/41634664; http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sergei_Ostroumov/blog/5465_ConceptsEcologicalChemomediators;