Biosafety. Phycotoxins

General groups of phycotoxins are discussed. Classification of phycotoxins depending on their source organisms and syndromes of poisoning is presented. Domoic acid--a member of ASP-group is described in details. The chemical structure and properties of toxin, its source organisms and occurence in food web, mechanism of action, toxicity, tolerable contaminant levels in food and clinical presentation of poisoning are presented.