Characterization of a lipid-producing thermotolerant marine photosynthetic pico-alga in the genus Picochlorum (Trebouxiophyceae)

Mucko, Maja; Padisák, Judit; Gligora Udovič, Marija; Pálmai, Tamás; Novak, Tihana; Medić, Nikola; Gašparović, Blaženka; Peharec Štefanić, Petra; Orlić, Sandi; Ljubešić, Zrinka (2020) Characterization of a lipid-producing thermotolerant marine photosynthetic pico-alga in the genus Picochlorum (Trebouxiophyceae). European journal of phycology, 55 (4). pp. 384-399. ISSN 0967-0262

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Abstract

A new marine strain of picoplanktonic algae, PMPFPPE4, was isolated from a mixed net- phytoplankton sample taken from the upper euphotic layer of the southeastern Adriatic Sea. Evaluation of the new strain included morphological investigation (by light and electron microscopy), phylogenetic analysis (utilizing plastid 16S rRNA and nuclear 18S rRNA genes), and physiological characterization (screening of pigment/lipid composition and capturing photosynthesis measurements). The new strain was proven to belong to the genus Picochlorum and the lipid composition revealed an unexpected accumulation of triacylglycerols, indicating an evolutionary adaptation for growth under unfavourable conditions. In addition, lipid remodelling in the exponential to stationary growth phase was characterized by an increased share of membrane-forming digalactosyldiacylglycerols and phosphatidylcholines. Maximum photosynthetic activity measured was at 30°C, but the most rapid increase of photosynthetic activity was at lower temperatures (15–20°C). Moreover, the thermotolerant strain did not exhibit photoinhibition below 40°C and survived a one- month cultivation period in complete darkness. The strain’s survival in low light and dark conditions suggests a potential shift from autotrophy to mixotrophy under unfavourable growth conditions. Thus, the unique physiological attributes represented by a high growth rate, thermotolerance, phototolerance and high triacylglycerol synthesis may render the strain highly attractive for biofuel production and growth in large outdoor systems.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Morphology ; Picochlorum ; photosynthetic picoeukaryotes ; phylogeny ; physiology
Subjects:	NATURAL SCIENCES > Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences > Marine Science
Divisions:	Division for Marine and Enviromental Research
Projects:	Project title Project leader Project code Project type utjecaj promjene termohaline cirkulacije u istočnom Mediteranu na planktonske zajednice u južnom Jadranu: ekološki i genetički pristup-AdMedPlan Mirna Batistić IP-2014-09-2945 HRZZ Bioindikatori vodenih masa u Jadranu-BIOTA Zrinka Ljubešić UIP-2013-11-6433 HRZZ Utjecaj okolišnog stresa na pojavnost i međudjelovanje biološki važnih organskih molekula i mikronutrijenata u morskom ekosustavu-AMBIOMERES Blaženka Gašparović IP-2013-11-8607 HRZZ
Depositing User:	Blaženka Gašparović
Date Deposited:	07 Dec 2020 12:06
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/6076
DOI:	10.1080/09670262.2020.1757763

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