Desiccation tolerance in the chlorophyte green alga Ulva compressa: does cell wall architecture contribute to ecological success?

ABSTRACT:

Main conclusion

Desiccation leads to structural changes of the inner pectic cell wall layers in Ulva compressa. This contributes to protection against mechanical damage due to desiccation-rehydration cycles. Ulva compressa, characterized by rbcL phylogeny, is a common species in the Mediterranean Sea. Ulva as an intertidal species tolerates repeated desiccation-rehydration cycles in nature; the physiological and structural basis were investigated under experimental conditions here. Desiccation to 73% relative water content (RWC) led to a significant decrease of the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (F v/F m) to about half of the initial value. A reduction to 48 or 27% RWC caused a more drastic effect and thalli were only able to recover fully from desiccation to 73% RWC. Rela

SUBMITTER: Holzinger A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4498240 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature