The terrestrial green macroalga Prasiola calophylla (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta): ecophysiological performance under water-limiting conditions.

ABSTRACT: The phylogenetic placement of Prasiola calophylla, from an anthropogenic habitat previously shown to contain a novel UV sunscreen compound, was confirmed by analysis of its rbcL gene. This alga has the capacity to tolerate strong water-limiting conditions. The photosynthetic performance and ultrastructural changes under desiccation and osmotic stress were investigated. Freshly harvested thalli showed an effective quantum yield of PSII [Y(II)] of 0.52 ± 0.06 that decreased to ∼60% of the initial value at 3000 mM sorbitol, and 4000 mM sorbitol led to a complete loss of Y(II). The Y(II) of thalli exposed to controlled desiccating conditions at 60% relative humidity (RH) ceased within 240 min, whereas zero values were reached after 120 min at 20% RH. All investigated samples completely recover

SUBMITTER: Holzinger A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5474099 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature