The dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedrum responds to N depletion by a polarized deposition of starch and lipid bodies.

ABSTRACT: Dinoflagellates are important contributors to the marine phytoplankton and global carbon fixation, but are also infamous for their ability to form the spectacular harmful algal blooms called red tides. While blooms are often associated with high available nitrogen, there are instances where they are observed in oligotrophic environments. In order to maintain their massive population in conditions of nitrogen limitation, dinoflagellates must have evolved efficient adaptive mechanisms. Here we report the physiological responses to nitrogen deprivation in Lingulodinium polyedrum. We find that this species reacts to nitrogen stress, as do most plants and microalgae, by stopping cell growth and diminishing levels of internal nitrogen, in particular in the form of protein and chlorophyll. Photos

SUBMITTER: Dagenais Bellefeuille S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4219697 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature