domoic acid

biology

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

Domoic acid is a neurotoxin produced by certain diatoms, particularly those in the Pseudo-nitzschia genus. This toxin can accumulate in fish and shellfish, leading to poisoning in vertebrates, including sea lions, birds, and humans, who consume contaminated seafood.1

Diatoms are a type of alga, and some algae produce toxins that can affect other organisms. These biotoxins can be grouped into microbial toxins, plant toxins, and animal toxins. Domoic acid falls under microbial toxins, specifically those produced by algae. The accumulation of such toxins in marine life is a concern for both ecosystems and human health.213

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

algae
Toxicity
…shellfish poisoning is caused by domoic acid produced by diatoms (class Bacillariophyceae), such as Nitzschia pungens and N. pseudodelicatissima. Symptoms of this poisoning in humans progress from abdominal cramps to vomiting to memory loss to disorientation and finally to death.
Read More
…shellfish poisoning is caused by domoic acid produced by diatoms (class Bacillariophyceae), such as Nitzschia pungens and N. pseudodelicatissima. Symptoms of this poisoning in humans progress from abdominal cramps to vomiting to memory loss to disorientation and finally to death.
Read More