Cited by 105Algal biology and biofuel productionBiocrusts and Microbial EcologyLight effects on plants

The effects of ultraviolet radiation on photosynthetic performance, growth and sunscreen compounds in aeroterrestrial biofilm algae isolated from building facades

Karsten, U., Lembcke, S., Schumann, R.·2007·Planta

Abstract

The effects of artificial ultraviolet radiation [UVR; 8 W m(-2) ultraviolet-A (UVA), 0.4 W m(-2) ultraviolet-B (UVB)] on photosynthetic performance, growth and the capability to synthesise mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) was investigated in the aeroterrestrial green algae Stichococcus sp. and Chlorella luteoviridis forming biofilms on building facades, and compared with the responses of two green algae, from soil (Myrmecia incisa) and brackish water (Desmodesmus subspicatus). All species exhibited decreasing quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm) after 1-3 days exposure to UVR. After 8-12 days treatment, however, all aeroterrestrial isolates exhibited full recovery under UVA and UVA/B. In contrast, D. subspicatus showed only 80% recovery after treatment with UVB. While Stichococcus sp. and C. luteoviridis exhibited a broad tolerance in growth under all radiation conditions tested, M. incisa showed a significant decrease in growth rate after exposure to UVA and UVA/B. Similarly D. subspicatus grew with a reduced rate under UVA, but UVA/B led to full inhibition. Using HPLC, an UV-absorbing MAA (324 nm-MAA) was identified in Stichococcus sp. and C. luteoviridis. While M. incisa contained a specific 322 nm-MAA, D. subspicatus lacked any trace of such compounds. UV-exposure experiments indicated that all MAA-containing species are capable of synthesizing and accumulating these compounds, thus supporting their function as an UV-sunscreen. All data well explain the conspicuous ecological success of aeroterrestrial green algae in biofilms on facades. Biosynthesis and accumulation of MAAs under UVR seem to result in a reduced UV-sensitivity of growth and photosynthesis, which consequently may enhance survival in the environmentally harsh habitat.

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Crossref · 10.1007/s00425-006-0406-x

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  • Production of MAAs is induced by exposing the culture to UV-light.

    “The production of MAAs is induced by exposing the culture to UV-light (Karsten et al., 2007, Xiong et al., 1999).”

    From Microalgae Metabolites: A Rich Source for Food and Medicine (2019) · cites this paper as Karsten et al., 2007

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Authors
Karsten, U., Lembcke, S., & Schumann, R.
Affiliations
University of Rostock (DE)
Corresponding author
Karsten, U.
Venue
Planta
Published
2006-10-13
Volume
225
Issue
4
Pages
991-1000
ISSN
  • 0032-0935 (ISSN-L)
  • 1432-2048
OpenAlex
W2158379508
Cited by
105
References
60
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 11 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 6
FWCI
2.32
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Planta (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics › Biocrusts and Microbial Ecology
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Light effects on plants
Keywords
ultraviolet radiation, UVA, UV-B radiation, mycosporine-like amino acids, sunscreen compounds, photosynthetic performance, quantum efficiency, Fv/Fm, algal growth, Stichococcus, Desmodesmus subspicatus, UV resistance
MeSH terms
Chlorophyta, Amino Acids, Chlorella, Construction Materials, Cyclohexanols, Nitrates, Photosynthesis, Soil Microbiology, Species Specificity, Ultraviolet Rays, Biofilms

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