1
|
Leung C, Grulois D, Chevin LM. Plasticity across levels: relating epigenomic, transcriptomic, and phenotypic responses to osmotic stress in a halotolerant microalga. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:4672-4687. [PMID: 35593517 PMCID: PMC9543585 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity, the ability of a given genotype to produce alternative phenotypes in response to its environment of development, is an important mechanism for coping with variable environments. While the mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity are diverse, their relative contributions need to be investigated quantitatively to better understand the evolvability of plasticity across biological levels. This requires relating plastic responses of the epigenome, transcriptome, and organismal phenotype, and investigating how they vary with the genotype. Here we carried out this approach for responses to osmotic stress in Dunaliella salina, a green microalga that is a model organism for salinity tolerance. We compared two strains that show markedly different demographic responses to osmotic stress, and showed that these phenotypic responses involve strain‐ and environment‐specific variation in gene expression levels, but a relative low—albeit significant—effect of strain × environment interaction. We also found an important genotype effect on the genome‐wide methylation pattern, but little contribution from environmental conditions to the latter. However, we did detect a significant marginal effect of epigenetic variation on gene expression, beyond the influence of genetic differences on epigenetic state, and we showed that hypomethylated regions are correlated with higher gene expression. Our results indicate that epigenetic mechanisms are either not involved in the rapid plastic response to environmental change in this species, or involve only few changes in trans that are sufficient to trigger concerted changes in the expression of many genes, and phenotypic responses by multiple traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christelle Leung
- CEFE, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Daphné Grulois
- CEFE, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Productivity and morphometric parameters of the microalga Dunaliella salina IBSS-2 under pilot cultivation in continental mid-latitude climate in spring. 3 Biotech 2021; 11:438. [PMID: 34603915 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-02982-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to investigate the taxonomy and various characteristics of Dunaliella salina IBSS-2 strain and describe its cultivation potential in mid-latitude climate during springtime. In addition, our analysis confirmed the essentiality of combining morphological, physiological, and other characteristics when identifying new species and strains of the genus Dunaliella, along with the molecular marker (internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of rDNA gene). The pilot cultivation of microalgae during the springtime in the south of Russia demonstrated that the climatic conditions of this region allow D. salina cultivation for biomass accumulation during this season, highlighting light and temperature conditions as the main factors determining the growth rate of D. salina. A two-fold increase in daily insolation and, consequently, in temperature in April resulted in a more than three-fold increase in productivity of D. salina culture. The maximum productivity of D. salina both in April and May was comparable and reached 2 g m-2 day-1, and the total yield for 8-10 days was about 14.5-16 g m-2. The additional CO2 supply into the D. salina culture did not show any significant effect on its growth rate; however, it contributed to maintaining the diversity of morphometric characteristics over a longer period of time. Changes in the morphological and morphometric characteristics of algal cells, including size reduction, were observed during the batch cultivation. Thus, the production potential of the green carotenogenic microalga D. salina was determined in the springtime, which allows expanding the seasonal interval of its cultivation in temperate latitudes.
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhu QL, Zheng JL, Liu J. Transcription activation of β-carotene biosynthetic genes at the initial stage of stresses as an indicator of the increased β-carotene accumulation in isolated Dunaliella salina strain GY-H13. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2020; 222:105472. [PMID: 32203794 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
β-carotene is an efficient antioxidant and its accumulation is an oxidative response to stressors. Dunaliella salina strain GY-H13 is rich in β-carotene under environmental stresses, which was selected as material to understand the molecular mechanism underlying β-carotene biosynthesis. Seven full length cDNA sequences in β-carotene biosynthesis pathway were cloned, including geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GGPS), phytoene synthase (PSY), phytoene desaturase (PDS), 15-cis-zeta-carotene isomerase (ZISO), zeta-carotene desaturase (ZDS), prolycopene isomerase (CRTISO), lycopene beta-cyclase (LCYb). The seven protein sequences from the strain GY-H13 showed the highest similarity with other D. salina strains. Especially, PSY, PDS and LCYb protein sequences shared 100 % identity. Phylogenetic analysis indicated all proteins from GY-H13 firstly clustered with those from other D. salina strains with a bootstrap of 100 %. Multiple alignment indicated several distinct conserved motifs such as aspartate-rich domain (ARD), dinucleotide binding domain (DBD), and carotene binding domain (CBD). These motifs are located near ligand-binding pocket, which may be required for the activity of enzyme. Expression levels of these genes and β-carotene content were measured over 24-h cycle, showing clear daily dynamics. All genes were dramatically up-regulated in the morning but the highest accumulation of β-carotene was observed at noon, suggesting a lag-effect between gene transcription and biological response. Furthermore, the accumulation of β-carotene increased under nitrogen deficiency, Cd exposure and high light and decreased under high salinity in a time-dependent manner. No gene of β-carotene biosynthesis was up-regulated by high salinity while most genes were activated by the other stresses at the beginning stage of exposure. Growth inhibition and oxidative damage were also observed under high salinity. Overall, transcription activation of β-carotene biosynthetic genes at the initial stage of stress exposure is a determinant of the increased accumulation of β-carotene in microalgae, which help their survive under harsh environments. The newly isolated D. salina strain GY-H13 would be a promising microalgae model for investigating the molecular mechanism of stress-induced β-carotene biosynthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Ling Zhu
- Institute of Marine Biology & Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, 1 Zheda Road, Dinghai District, Zhoushan, 316000, Zhejiang, PR China; College of Marine Ocean Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316022, PR China
| | - Jia-Lang Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316022, PR China.
| | - Jianhua Liu
- Institute of Marine Biology & Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, 1 Zheda Road, Dinghai District, Zhoushan, 316000, Zhejiang, PR China; College of Marine Ocean Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316022, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Optimization and cost estimation of microalgal lipid extraction using ozone-rich microbubbles for biodiesel production. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2019.101462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
5
|
Henley WJ, Cobbs M, Novoveská L, Buchheim MA. Phylogenetic analysis of Dunaliella (Chlorophyta) emphasizing new benthic and supralittoral isolates from Great Salt Lake. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2018; 54:483-493. [PMID: 29679512 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Dunaliella, a commercially important chlorophyte, is globally distributed in saline habitats. Morphological species have not been definitively reconciled with phylogenetic analyses. Considerable genetic diversity continues to be discovered in new isolates, especially from soil and benthic habitats. Twenty-nine new isolates from Great Salt Lake, Utah, many from benthic or supralittoral habitats, were phylogenetically analyzed using ITS1+5.8S+ITS2 in comparison to a broad sampling of available sequences. A few new isolates align in one branch of a bifurcated monophyletic Dunaliella salina clade and several cluster within monophyletic D. viridis. Several others align with relatively few unnamed strains from other locations, comprising a diverse clade that may represent two or more new species. The overall Dunaliella clade is relatively robust, but the nearest outgroups are ambiguously placed with extremely long branches. About half of the isolates, all from benthic or supralittoral habitats, have been persistently sarcinoid in liquid media since isolation. This trait is spread across the Dunaliella phylogeny. The morphology of two sarcinoid strains was documented with light microscopy, revealing an extensive glycocalyx. Clumping behavior of unicellular and sarcinoid strains was unaffected by presence or absence of Mg2+ or Ca2+ , addition of lectin-inhibiting monosaccharides, or water-soluble factors from morphologically opposite strains. Results from this investigation have significantly expanded our current understanding of Dunaliella diversity, but it seems likely that much remains to be discovered with additional sampling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William J Henley
- Department of Plant Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, USA
| | - Michael Cobbs
- Department of Plant Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, USA
| | - Lucie Novoveská
- Department of Plant Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, USA
| | - Mark A Buchheim
- Department of Biological Science, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
|
7
|
Nakada T, Tomita M. Morphology and phylogeny of a new wall-less freshwater volvocalean flagellate, Hapalochloris nozakii gen. et sp. nov. (Volvocales, Chlorophyceae). JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2017; 53:108-117. [PMID: 27767210 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
New strains of a wall-less unicellular volvocalean flagellate were isolated from a freshwater environment in Japan. Observations of the alga, described here as Hapalochloris nozakii Nakada, gen. et sp. nov., were made using light, fluorescence, and electron microscopy. Each vegetative cell had two flagella, four contractile vacuoles, and a spirally furrowed cup-shaped chloroplast with an axial pyrenoid, and mitochondria located in the furrows. Based on the morphology, H. nozakii was distinguished from other known wall-less volvocalean flagellates. Under electron microscopy, fibrous material, instead of a cell wall and dense cortical microtubules, was observed outside and inside the cell membrane, respectively. Based on the phylogenetic analyses of 18S rRNA gene sequences, H. nozakii was found to be closely related to Asterococcus, Oogamochlamys, Rhysamphichloris, and "Dunaliella" lateralis and was separated from other known wall-less flagellate volvocaleans, indicating independent secondary loss of the cell wall in H. nozakii. In the combined 18S rRNA and chloroplast gene tree, H. nozakii was sister to Lobochlamys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nakada
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Kakuganji, Tsuruoka 997-0052, Japan
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Masaru Tomita
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Kakuganji, Tsuruoka 997-0052, Japan
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa 252-0882, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Škaloud P, Steinová J, Řídká T, Vančurová L, Peksa O. Assembling the challenging puzzle of algal biodiversity: species delimitation within the genus Asterochloris (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta). JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2015; 51:507-527. [PMID: 26986666 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The genus Asterochloris represents one of the most common, widespread, and diverse taxa of lichen photobionts. In this report, we describe and characterize six new species (A. echinata, A. friedlii, A. gaertneri, A. leprarii, A. lobophora, and A. woessiae) that were identified during our recent investigation of photobiont diversity. We found that the species differed genetically, morphologically, ecologically, and with respect to their mycobiont partners. Statistical analyses revealed significant morphological differentiation of all six newly described species, as well as their separation from previously described Asterochloris species. Chloroplast morphology represented the best morphological marker for species delineation. In fact, each species can be recognized by the dominance and unique assemblage of particular chloroplast types. Although genetically well recognized by rapidly evolving internal transcribed spacer rDNA and actin intron markers, all 13 investigated Asterochloris species shared identical small subunit rDNA sequences. We therefore demonstrated that morphologically and ecologically diverse species can frequently be grouped into a single taxonomic unit in whole-transcriptome sequencing studies, considerably affecting the resulting estimates of species diversity. Finally, we demonstrated the presence of isogamous sexual reproduction in Asterochloris, disputing the current symbiotic dogma of the loss of sexual reproduction in algal symbionts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Škaloud
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Benátská 2, Prague 2, 128 01, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Steinová
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Benátská 2, Prague 2, 128 01, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Řídká
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Benátská 2, Prague 2, 128 01, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Vančurová
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Benátská 2, Prague 2, 128 01, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Peksa
- The West Bohemian Museum in Pilsen, Kopeckého sady 2, Plzeň, 30 100, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Emami K, Hack E, Nelson A, Brain CM, Lyne FM, Mesbahi E, Day JG, Caldwell GS. Proteomic-based biotyping reveals hidden diversity within a microalgae culture collection: An example using Dunaliella. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10036. [PMID: 25963242 PMCID: PMC4650328 DOI: 10.1038/srep10036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate and defendable taxonomic identification of microalgae strains is vital for culture collections, industry and academia; particularly when addressing issues of intellectual property. We demonstrate the remarkable effectiveness of Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) biotyping to deliver rapid and accurate strain separation, even in situations where standard molecular tools prove ineffective. Highly distinctive MALDI spectra were obtained for thirty two biotechnologically interesting Dunaliella strains plus strains of Arthrospira, Chlorella, Isochrysis, Tetraselmis and a range of culturable co-occurring bacteria. Spectra were directly compared with genomic DNA sequences (internal transcribed spacer, ITS). Within individual Dunaliella isolates MALDI discriminated between strains with identical ITS sequences, thereby emphasising and enhancing knowledge of the diversity within microalgae culture collections. Further, MALDI spectra did not vary with culture age or growth stage during the course of the experiment; therefore MALDI presents stable and accurate strain-specific signature spectra. Bacterial contamination did not affect MALDI’s discriminating power. Biotyping by MALDI-TOF-MS will prove effective in situations wherein precise strain identification is vital, for example in cases involving intellectual property disputes and in monitoring and safeguarding biosecurity. MALDI should be accepted as a biotyping tool to complement and enhance standard molecular taxonomy for microalgae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Emami
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Ethan Hack
- School of Biology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Andrew Nelson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST
| | - Chelsea M Brain
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Fern M Lyne
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Ehsan Mesbahi
- Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE), Devonshire Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - John G Day
- Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa, Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, UK
| | - Gary S Caldwell
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Oren A. The ecology of Dunaliella in high-salt environments. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:23. [PMID: 25984505 PMCID: PMC4389652 DOI: 10.1186/s40709-014-0023-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Halophilic representatives of the genus Dunaliella, notably D. salina and D. viridis, are found worldwide in salt lakes and saltern evaporation and crystallizer ponds at salt concentrations up to NaCl saturation. Thanks to the biotechnological exploitation of D. salina for β-carotene production we have a profound knowledge of the physiology and biochemistry of the alga. However, relatively little is known about the ecology of the members of the genus Dunaliella in hypersaline environments, in spite of the fact that Dunaliella is often the main or even the sole primary producer present, so that the entire ecosystem depends on carbon fixed by this alga. This review paper summarizes our knowledge about the occurrence and the activities of different Dunaliella species in natural salt lakes (Great Salt Lake, the Dead Sea and others), in saltern ponds and in other salty habitats where members of the genus have been found.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aharon Oren
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, 91904 Israel
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jaén-Molina R, Marrero-Rodríguez Á, Reyes-Betancort JA, Santos-Guerra A, Naranjo-Suárez J, Caujapé-Castells J. Molecular taxonomic identification in the absence of a ‘barcoding gap’: a test with the endemic flora of the Canarian oceanic hotspot. Mol Ecol Resour 2014; 15:42-56. [DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Jaén-Molina
- Jardín Botánico Canario “Viera y Clavijo”-Unidad Asociada CSIC; Cabildo de Gran Canaria; Apartado de correos 14 de Tafira Alta 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain
- Fundación Canaria Amurga Maspalomas; Avda. Tirajana 39, II 6 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana Spain
| | - Águedo Marrero-Rodríguez
- Jardín Botánico Canario “Viera y Clavijo”-Unidad Asociada CSIC; Cabildo de Gran Canaria; Apartado de correos 14 de Tafira Alta 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain
| | - J. Alfredo Reyes-Betancort
- Unidad de Botánica Aplicada; Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava (ICIA); c/Retama 2 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife Spain
| | - Arnoldo Santos-Guerra
- Unidad de Botánica Aplicada; Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava (ICIA); c/Retama 2 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife Spain
| | - José Naranjo-Suárez
- Jardín Botánico Canario “Viera y Clavijo”-Unidad Asociada CSIC; Cabildo de Gran Canaria; Apartado de correos 14 de Tafira Alta 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain
| | - Juli Caujapé-Castells
- Jardín Botánico Canario “Viera y Clavijo”-Unidad Asociada CSIC; Cabildo de Gran Canaria; Apartado de correos 14 de Tafira Alta 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Subirana L, Péquin B, Michely S, Escande ML, Meilland J, Derelle E, Marin B, Piganeau G, Desdevises Y, Moreau H, Grimsley NH. Morphology, Genome Plasticity, and Phylogeny in the Genus Ostreococcus Reveal a Cryptic Species, O. mediterraneus sp. nov. (Mamiellales, Mamiellophyceae). Protist 2013; 164:643-59. [PMID: 23892412 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2011] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
|
13
|
Lananan F, Jusoh A, Ali N, Lam SS, Endut A. Effect of Conway Medium and f/2 Medium on the growth of six genera of South China Sea marine microalgae. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2013; 141:75-82. [PMID: 23562179 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2013.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A study was performed to determine the effect of Conway and f/2 media on the growth of microalgae genera. Genera of Chlorella sp., Dunaliella sp., Isochrysis sp., Chaetoceros sp., Pavlova sp. and Tetraselmis sp. were isolated from the South China Sea. During the cultivation period, the density of cells were determined using Syringe Liquid Sampler Particle Measuring System (SLS-PMS) that also generated the population distribution curve based on the size of the cells. The population of the microalgae genera is thought to consist of mother and daughter generations since these microalgae genera reproduce by releasing small non-motile reproductive cells (autospores). It was found that the reproduction of Tetraselmis sp., Dunaliella sp. and Pavlova sp. could be sustained longer in f/2 Medium. Higher cell density was achieved by genus Dunaliella, Chlorella and Isochrysis in Conway Medium. Different genera of microalgae had a preference for different types of cultivation media.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fathurrahman Lananan
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Azua-Bustos A, González-Silva C, Arenas-Fajardo C, Vicuña R. Extreme environments as potential drivers of convergent evolution by exaptation: the Atacama Desert Coastal Range case. Front Microbiol 2012; 3:426. [PMID: 23267354 PMCID: PMC3526103 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2012.00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently discovered a variety of unrelated phototrophic microorganisms (two microalgae and one cyanobacteria) in specialized terrestrial habitats at The Coastal Range of the Atacama Desert. Interestingly, morphological and molecular evidence suggest that these three species are all recent colonists that came from aquatic habitats. The first case is Cyanidiales inhabiting coastal caves. Cyanidiales are microalgae that are commonly found in warm acid springs, but have also been recently discovered as cave flora in Italy. The case is Dunaliella biofilms colonizing spider webs in coastal caves; Dunaliella are microalgae typically found in hypersaline habitats. The third case is Chroococcidiopsis, a genus of Cyanobacteria commonly found in deserts around the world that has also been described in warm springs. Thus, we show that the traits found in the closest ancestors of the aforementioned species (which inhabited other unrelated extreme environments) seem to be now useful for the described species in their current subaerial habitats and may likely correspond to cases of exaptations. Altogether, the Coastal Range of the Atacama Desert may be considered as a place where key steps on the colonization of land by phototrophic organisms seem to be being repeated by convergent evolution of extant microalgae and Cyanobacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Armando Azua-Bustos
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiago, Chile
| | | | - Cristián Arenas-Fajardo
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Rafael Vicuña
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|