1
|
Hulatt CJ, Suzuki H, Détain A, Wijffels RH, Leya T, Posewitz MC. The genome of the Arctic snow alga Limnomonas spitsbergensis (Chlamydomonadales). G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae086. [PMID: 38662665 PMCID: PMC11228838 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Snow algae are a diverse group of extremophilic microeukaryotes found on melting polar and alpine snowfields. They play an important role in the microbial ecology of the cryosphere, and their propagation on snow and ice surfaces may in part accelerate climate-induced melting of these systems. High-quality snow algae genomes are needed for studies on their unique physiology, adaptive mechanisms, and genome evolution under multiple forms of stress, including cold temperatures and intense sunlight. Here, we assembled and annotated the genome of Limnomonas spitsbergensis, a cryophilic biciliate green alga originally isolated from melting snow on Svalbard, in the Arctic. The L. spitsbergensis genome assembly is based primarily on the use of PacBio long reads and secondly Illumina short reads, with an assembly size of 260.248 Mb in 124 contigs. A combination of 3 alternative annotation strategies was used including protein homology, RNA-seq evidence, and PacBio full-length transcript isoforms. The best merged set of annotations identified 18,277 protein-coding genes, which were 95.2% complete based on Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs analysis. We also provide the annotated mitogenome, which is a relatively large 77.942 kb circular mapping sequence containing extensive repeats. The L. spitsbergensis genome will provide a new resource for research on snow algae adaptation, behavior, and natural selection in unique, low-temperature terrestrial environments that are under threat from climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris J Hulatt
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Mørkvedbukta Research Station, 8020 Bodø, Norway
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, 80401, USA
| | - Hirono Suzuki
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Mørkvedbukta Research Station, 8020 Bodø, Norway
| | - Alexandre Détain
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Mørkvedbukta Research Station, 8020 Bodø, Norway
| | - René H Wijffels
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Mørkvedbukta Research Station, 8020 Bodø, Norway
- Bioprocess Engineering, AlgaePARC, Wageningen University, Wageningen, 6700 AA, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Leya
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses IZI-BB, Extremophile Research and Biobank CCCryo, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Matthew C Posewitz
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, 80401, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Procházková L, Matsuzaki R, Řezanka T, Nedbalová L, Remias D. The snow alga Chloromonas kaweckae sp. nov. (Volvocales, Chlorophyta) causes green surface blooms in the high tatras (Slovakia) and tolerates high irradiance. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2023; 59:236-248. [PMID: 36461636 PMCID: PMC10946730 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Seasonally slowly melting mountain snowfields are populated by extremophilic microalgae. In alpine habitats, high-light sensitive, green phytoflagellates are usually observed in subsurface layers deeper in the snowpack under dim conditions, while robust orange to reddish cyst stages can be seen exposed on the surface. In this study, uncommon surface green snow was investigated in the High Tatra Mountains (Slovakia). The monospecific community found in the green surface bloom consisted of vegetative Chloromonas cells (Volvocales, Chlorophyta). Molecular data demonstrated that the field sample and the strain isolated and established from the bloom were conspecific, and they represent a new species, Chloromonas kaweckae sp. nov., which is described based on the morphology of the vegetative cells and asexual reproduction and on molecular analyses of the strain. Cells of C. kaweckae accumulated approximately 50% polyunsaturated fatty acids, which is advantageous at low temperatures. In addition, this new species performed active photosynthesis at temperatures close to the freezing point showed a light compensation point of 126 ± 22 μmol photons · m-2 · s-1 and some signs of photoinhibition at irradiances greater than 600 μmol photons · m-2 · s-1 . These data indicate that the photosynthetic apparatus of C. kaweckae could be regarded as adapted to relatively high light intensities, otherwise unusual for most flagellate stages of snow algae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Procházková
- Department of EcologyCharles University, Faculty of SciencePrague128 44Czech Republic
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Botany, Centre for PhycologyDukelská 135379 82TřeboňCzech Republic
| | - Ryo Matsuzaki
- University of Tsukuba, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences1–1–1 TennodaiTsukubaIbaraki305–8572Japan
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, Biodiversity Division16‐2 OnogawaTsukubaIbaraki305‐8506Japan
| | - Tomáš Řezanka
- The Czech Academy of SciencesInstitute of MicrobiologyVídeňská 1083Prague142 20Czech Republic
| | - Linda Nedbalová
- Department of EcologyCharles University, Faculty of SciencePrague128 44Czech Republic
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Botany, Centre for PhycologyDukelská 135379 82TřeboňCzech Republic
| | - Daniel Remias
- University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, School of EngineeringStelzhamerstr. 23Wels4600Austria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Russell C, Rodriguez C, Yaseen M. High-value biochemical products & applications of freshwater eukaryotic microalgae. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 809:151111. [PMID: 34695461 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A shift in public perception of the health and nutritional benefits of organic supplements and skin care products has led to a surge in high-value products being extracted from microalgae. Traditional forms of microalgae products were proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. However, in recent times the extraction of carotenoids (pigments), polyunsaturated acids (PUFAs), vitamins, phytosterols and polyphenols has increased significantly. Despite the diversity of products most research has failed to scale up production to industrial scale due to economic constraints and productivity capacities. It is clear that the main market drivers are the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. This paper reviews the high-value products produced from freshwater eukaryotic microalgae. In addition, the paper also considers the biochemical properties of eukaryotic microalgae to provide a comparative analysis of different strains based on their high-value product content.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Callum Russell
- School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Cristina Rodriguez
- School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK.
| | - Mohammed Yaseen
- School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cvetkovska M, Zhang X, Vakulenko G, Benzaquen S, Szyszka-Mroz B, Malczewski N, Smith DR, Hüner NPA. A constitutive stress response is a result of low temperature growth in the Antarctic green alga Chlamydomonas sp. UWO241. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2022; 45:156-177. [PMID: 34664276 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Antarctic green alga Chlamydomonas sp. UWO241 is an obligate psychrophile that thrives in the cold (4-6°C) but is unable to survive at temperatures ≥18°C. Little is known how exposure to heat affects its physiology or whether it mounts a heat stress response in a manner comparable to mesophiles. Here, we dissect the responses of UWO241 to temperature stress by examining its growth, primary metabolome and transcriptome under steady-state low temperature and heat stress conditions. In comparison with Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, UWO241 constitutively accumulates metabolites and proteins commonly considered as stress markers, including soluble sugars, antioxidants, polyamines, and heat shock proteins to ensure efficient protein folding at low temperatures. We propose that this results from life at extreme conditions. A shift from 4°C to a non-permissive temperature of 24°C alters the UWO241 primary metabolome and transcriptome, but growth of UWO241 at higher permissive temperatures (10 and 15°C) does not provide enhanced heat protection. UWO241 also fails to induce the accumulation of HSPs when exposed to heat, suggesting that it has lost the ability to fine-tune its heat stress response. Our work adds to the growing body of research on temperature stress in psychrophiles, many of which are threatened by climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Cvetkovska
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Biology and the Biotron Centre for Experimental Climate Change Research, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Galyna Vakulenko
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samuel Benzaquen
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Beth Szyszka-Mroz
- Department of Biology and the Biotron Centre for Experimental Climate Change Research, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nina Malczewski
- Department of Biology and the Biotron Centre for Experimental Climate Change Research, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David R Smith
- Department of Biology and the Biotron Centre for Experimental Climate Change Research, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Norman P A Hüner
- Department of Biology and the Biotron Centre for Experimental Climate Change Research, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Clegg MR, Wacker A, Spijkerman E. Phenotypic Diversity and Plasticity of Photoresponse Across an Environmentally Contrasting Family of Phytoflagellates. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:707541. [PMID: 34512692 PMCID: PMC8424187 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.707541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Organisms often employ ecophysiological strategies to exploit environmental conditions and ensure bio-energetic success. However, the many complexities involved in the differential expression and flexibility of these strategies are rarely fully understood. Therefore, for the first time, using a three-part cross-disciplinary laboratory experimental analysis, we investigated the diversity and plasticity of photoresponsive traits employed by one family of environmentally contrasting, ecologically important phytoflagellates. The results demonstrated an extensive inter-species phenotypic diversity of behavioural, physiological, and compositional photoresponse across the Chlamydomonadaceae, and a multifaceted intra-species phenotypic plasticity, involving a broad range of beneficial photoacclimation strategies, often attributable to environmental predisposition and phylogenetic differentiation. Deceptively diverse and sophisticated strong (population and individual cell) behavioural photoresponses were observed, with divergence from a general preference for low light (and flexibility) dictated by intra-familial differences in typical habitat (salinity and trophy) and phylogeny. Notably, contrasting lower, narrow, and flexible compared with higher, broad, and stable preferences were observed in freshwater vs. brackish and marine species. Complex diversity and plasticity in physiological and compositional photoresponses were also discovered. Metabolic characteristics (such as growth rates, respiratory costs and photosynthetic capacity, efficiency, compensation and saturation points) varied elaborately with species, typical habitat (often varying more in eutrophic species, such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii), and culture irradiance (adjusting to optimise energy acquisition and suggesting some propensity for low light). Considerable variations in intracellular pigment and biochemical composition were also recorded. Photosynthetic and accessory pigments (such as chlorophyll a, xanthophyll-cycle components, chlorophyll a:b and chlorophyll a:carotenoid ratios, fatty acid content and saturation ratios) varied with phylogeny and typical habitat (to attune photosystem ratios in different trophic conditions and to optimise shade adaptation, photoprotection, and thylakoid architecture, particularly in freshwater environments), and changed with irradiance (as reaction and harvesting centres adjusted to modulate absorption and quantum yield). The complex, concomitant nature of the results also advocated an integrative approach in future investigations. Overall, these nuanced, diverse, and flexible photoresponsive traits will greatly contribute to the functional ecology of these organisms, addressing environmental heterogeneity and potentially shaping individual fitness, spatial and temporal distribution, prevalence, and ecosystem dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark R. Clegg
- Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Modelling, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Alexander Wacker
- Department of Theoretical Aquatic Ecology and Ecophysiology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Animal Ecology Group, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Elly Spijkerman
- Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Modelling, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gálvez FE, Saldarriaga-Córdoba M, Huovinen P, Silva AX, Gómez I. Revealing the Characteristics of the Antarctic Snow Alga Chlorominima collina gen. et sp. nov. Through Taxonomy, Physiology, and Transcriptomics. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:662298. [PMID: 34163502 PMCID: PMC8215615 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.662298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Snow algae play crucial roles in cold ecosystems, however, many aspects related to their biology, adaptations and especially their diversity are not well known. To improve the identification of snow algae from colored snow, in the present study we used a polyphasic approach to describe a new Antarctic genus, Chlorominima with the species type Chlorominima collina. This new taxon was isolated of colored snow collected from the Collins Glacier (King George Island) in the Maritime Antarctic region. Microscopy revealed biflagellated ellipsoidal cells with a rounded posterior end, a C-shaped parietal chloroplast without a pyrenoid, eyespot, and discrete papillae. Several of these characteristics are typical of the genus Chloromonas, but the new isolate differs from the described species of this genus by the unusual small size of the cells, the presence of several vacuoles, the position of the nucleus and the shape of the chloroplast. Molecular analyzes confirm that the isolated alga does not belong to Chloromonas and therefore forms an independent lineage, which is closely related to other unidentified Antarctic and Arctic strains, forming a polar subclade in the Stephanosphaerinia phylogroup within the Chlamydomonadales. Secondary structure comparisons of the ITS2 rDNA marker support the idea that new strain is a distinct taxon within of Caudivolvoxa. Physiological experiments revealed psychrophilic characteristics, which are typical of true snow algae. This status was confirmed by the partial transcriptome obtained at 2°C, in which various cold-responsive and cryoprotective genes were identified. This study explores the systematics, cold acclimatization strategies and their implications for the Antarctic snow flora.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisca E. Gálvez
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Centro FONDAP de Investigación en Dinámica de Ecosistemas Marinos de Altas Latitudes (IDEAL), Valdivia, Chile
- *Correspondence: Francisca E. Gálvez,
| | - Mónica Saldarriaga-Córdoba
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad (CIRENYS), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pirjo Huovinen
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Centro FONDAP de Investigación en Dinámica de Ecosistemas Marinos de Altas Latitudes (IDEAL), Valdivia, Chile
| | - Andrea X. Silva
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- AUSTRAL-omics, Vicerrectoría de Investigación, Desarrollo y Creación Artística, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Iván Gómez
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Centro FONDAP de Investigación en Dinámica de Ecosistemas Marinos de Altas Latitudes (IDEAL), Valdivia, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Procházková L, Remias D, Bilger W, Křížková H, Řezanka T, Nedbalová L. Cysts of the Snow Alga Chloromonas krienitzii (Chlorophyceae) Show Increased Tolerance to Ultraviolet Radiation and Elevated Visible Light. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:617250. [PMID: 33391329 PMCID: PMC7773729 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.617250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Melting mountainous snowfields are populated by extremophilic microorganisms. An alga causing orange snow above timberline in the High Tatra Mountains (Poland) was characterised using multiple methods examining its ultrastructure, genetics, life cycle, photosynthesis and ecophysiology. Based on light and electron microscopy and ITS2 rDNA, the species was identified as Chloromonas krienitzii (Chlorophyceae). Recently, the taxon was described from Japan. However, cellular adaptations to its harsh environment and details about the life cycle were so far unknown. In this study, the snow surface population consisted of egg-shaped cysts containing large numbers of lipid bodies filled presumably with the secondary carotenoid astaxanthin. The outer, spiked cell wall was shed during cell maturation. Before this developmental step, the cysts resembled a different snow alga, Chloromonas brevispina. The remaining, long-lasting smooth cell wall showed a striking UV-induced blue autofluorescence, indicating the presence of short wavelengths absorbing, protective compounds, potentially sporopollenin containing polyphenolic components. Applying a chlorophyll fluorescence assay on intact cells, a significant UV-A and UV-B screening capability of about 30 and 50%, respectively, was measured. Moreover, intracellular secondary carotenoids were responsible for a reduction of blue-green light absorbed by chloroplasts by about 50%. These results revealed the high capacity of cysts to reduce the impact of harmful UV and high visible irradiation to the chloroplast and nucleus when exposed at alpine snow surfaces during melting. Consistently, the observed photosynthetic performance of photosystem II (evaluated by fluorometry) showed no decline up to 2100 μmol photons m-2 s-1. Cysts accumulated high contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (about 60% of fatty acids), which are advantageous at low temperatures. In the course of this study, C. krienitzii was found also in Slovakia, Italy, Greece and the United States, indicating a widespread distribution in the Northern Hemisphere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Remias
- School of Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Wels, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Bilger
- Botanical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Heda Křížková
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tomáš Řezanka
- Institute of Microbiology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Procházková L, Remias D, Holzinger A, Řezanka T, Nedbalová L. Ecophysiological and ultrastructural characterisation of the circumpolar orange snow alga Sanguina aurantia compared to the cosmopolitan red snow alga Sanguina nivaloides (Chlorophyta). Polar Biol 2020; 44:105-117. [PMID: 33519055 PMCID: PMC7819945 DOI: 10.1007/s00300-020-02778-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Red snow caused by spherical cysts can be found worldwide, while an orange snow phenomenon caused by spherical cells is restricted to (Sub-)Arctic climates. Both bloom types, occurring in the same localities at Svalbard, were compared ecophysiologically. Using a combination of molecular markers and light- and transmission electron microscopy, cells were identified as Sanguina nivaloides and Sanguina aurantia (Chlorophyceae). In search for reasons for a cosmopolitan vs. a more restricted distribution of these microbes, significant differences in fatty acid and pigment profiles of field samples were found. S. aurantia accumulated much lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (21% vs. 48% of total fatty acids) and exhibited lower astaxanthin-to-chlorophyll-a ratio (2-8 vs. 12-18). These compounds play an important role in adaptation to extreme conditions at the snow surface and within snow drifts. Accordingly, the performance of photosystem II showed that one third to nearly half of the photosynthetic active irradiation was sufficient in S. aurantia, compared to S. nivaloides, to become light saturated. Furthermore, formation of plastoglobules observed in S. nivaloides but missing in S. aurantia may contribute to photoprotection. The rapid light curves of the two species show to a certain extent the shade-adapted photosynthesis under the light conditions at Svalbard (high α-value 0.16 vs. 0.11, low saturation point I k 59 vs. 86). These results indicate significant physiological and ultrastructural differences of the two genetically closely related cryoflora species, but the reasons why S. aurantia has not been found at conditions outside (Sub-)Arctic climate types remain unknown. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version of this article (10.1007/s00300-020-02778-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorised users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Procházková
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Remias
- School of Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Stelzhamerstr. 23, 4600 Wels, Austria
| | - Andreas Holzinger
- Functional Plant Biology, Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tomáš Řezanka
- Institute of Microbiology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Linda Nedbalová
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Brown SP, Tucker AE. Distribution and biogeography of Sanguina snow algae: Fine-scale sequence analyses reveal previously unknown population structure. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:11352-11361. [PMID: 33144969 PMCID: PMC7593155 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been previously suggested that snow algal species within the genus Sanguina (S. nivaloides and S. aurantia) show no population structure despite being found globally (S. nivaloides) or throughout the Northern Hemisphere (S. aurantia). However, systematic biogeographic research into global distributions is lacking due to few genetic and no genomic resources for these snow algae. Here, using all publicly available and previously unpublished Sanguina sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 region, we investigated whether this purported lack of population structure within Sanguina species is supported by additional evidence. Using a minimum entropy decomposition (MED) approach to examine fine-scale genetic population structure, we find that these snow algae populations are largely distinct regionally and have some interesting biogeographic structuring. This is in opposition to the currently accepted idea that Sanguina species lack any observable population structure across their vast ranges and highlights the utility of fine-scale (sub-OTU) analytical tools to delineate geographic and genetic population structure. This work extends the known range of S. aurantia and emphasizes the need for development of genetic and genomic tools for additional studies on snow algae biogeography.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn P. Brown
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of MemphisMemphisTNUSA
- Center of Biodiversity ResearchUniversity of MemphisMemphisTNUSA
| | - Avery E. Tucker
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of MemphisMemphisTNUSA
- Center of Biodiversity ResearchUniversity of MemphisMemphisTNUSA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yakimovich KM, Engstrom CB, Quarmby LM. Alpine Snow Algae Microbiome Diversity in the Coast Range of British Columbia. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1721. [PMID: 33013720 PMCID: PMC7485462 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Snow algae blooms contain bacteria, fungi, and other microscopic organisms. We surveyed 55 alpine snow algae blooms, collecting a total of 68 samples, from 12 mountains in the Coast Range of British Columbia, Canada. We used microscopy and rDNA metabarcoding to document biodiversity and query species and taxonomic associations. Across all samples, we found 173 algal, 2,739 bacterial, 380 fungal, and 540 protist/animalia operational taxonomic units (OTUs). In a previous study, we reported that most algal species were distributed along an elevational gradient. In the current study, we were surprised to find no corresponding distribution in any other taxa. We also tested the hypothesis that certain bacterial and fungal taxa co-occur with specific algal taxa. However, despite previous evidence that particular genera co-occur, we found no significant correlations between taxa across our 68 samples. Notably, seven bacterial, one fungal, and two cercozoan OTUs were widely distributed across our study regions. Taken together, these data suggest that any mutualisms with algae may not be taxon specific. We also report evidence of snow algae predation by rotifers, tardigrades, springtails, chytrid fungi, and ciliates, establishing the framework for a complex food web.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kurt M Yakimovich
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Casey B Engstrom
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Lynne M Quarmby
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hoham RW, Remias D. Snow and Glacial Algae: A Review 1. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2020; 56:264-282. [PMID: 31825096 PMCID: PMC7232433 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Snow or glacial algae are found on all continents, and most species are in the Chlamydomonadales (Chlorophyta) and Zygnematales (Streptophyta). Other algal groups include euglenoids, cryptomonads, chrysophytes, dinoflagellates, and cyanobacteria. They may live under extreme conditions of temperatures near 0°C, high irradiance levels in open exposures, low irradiance levels under tree canopies or deep in snow, acidic pH, low conductivity, and desiccation after snow melt. These primary producers may color snow green, golden-brown, red, pink, orange, or purple-grey, and they are part of communities that include other eukaryotes, bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. They are an important component of the global biosphere and carbon and water cycles. Life cycles in the Chlamydomonas-Chloromonas-Chlainomonas complex include migration of flagellates in liquid water and formation of resistant cysts, many of which were identified previously as other algae. Species differentiation has been updated through the use of metagenomics, lipidomics, high-throughput sequencing (HTS), multi-gene analysis, and ITS. Secondary metabolites (astaxanthin in snow algae and purpurogallin in glacial algae) protect chloroplasts and nuclei from damaging PAR and UV, and ice binding proteins (IBPs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) reduce cell damage in subfreezing temperatures. Molecular phylogenies reveal that snow algae in the Chlamydomonas-Chloromonas complex have invaded the snow habitat at least twice, and some species are polyphyletic. Snow and glacial algae reduce albedo, accelerate the melt of snowpacks and glaciers, and are used to monitor climate change. Selected strains of these algae have potential for producing food or fuel products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald W. Hoham
- Department of BiologyColgate UniversityHamiltonNew York13346USA
| | - Daniel Remias
- School of EngineeringUniversity of Applied Sciences Upper AustriaWels4600Austria
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lutz S, Procházková L, Benning LG, Nedbalová L, Remias D. Evaluating High-Throughput Sequencing Data of Microalgae Living in Melting Snow: Improvements and Limitations 1. FOTTEA (PRAHA) 2019; 19:115-131. [PMID: 33414851 PMCID: PMC7116558 DOI: 10.5507/fot.2019.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Melting snow fields are an extremophilic habitat dominated by closely related Chlamydomonadaceae (Chlorophyta). Microscopy-based classification of these cryophilic microalgae is challenging and may not reveal the true diversity. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the community. However, HTS approaches have been rarely used in such ecosystems and the output of their application has not been evaluated. Furthermore, there is no consensus on the choice for a suitable DNA marker or data processing workflow. We found that the correct placement of taxonomic strings onto OTUs strongly depends on the quality of the reference databases. We improved the assignments of the HST data by generating additional reference sequences of the locally abundant taxa, guided by light microscopy. Furthermore, a manual inspection of all automated OTU assignments, oligotyping of the most abundant 18S OTUs, as well as ITS2 secondary structure analyses were necessary for accurate species assignments. Moreover, the sole use of one marker can cause misleading results, either because of insufficient variability within the locus (18S) or the scarcity of reference sequences (ITS2). Our evaluation reveals that HTS output needs to be thoroughly checked when the studied habitats or organisms are poorly represented in publicly available databases. We recommend an optimized workflow for an improved biodiversity evaluation of not only snow algal communities, but generally 'exotic' ecosystems where similar problems arise. A consistent sampling strategy, two- molecular marker approach, light microscopy-based guidance, generation of appropriate reference sequences and final manual verification of all taxonomic assignments are highly recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Liane G. Benning
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany School of Earth & Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK Department of Earth Sciences, Free University of Berlin, 12249 Berlin, Germany
| | - Linda Nedbalová
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Botany, Dukelská 135, 379 82 Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Remias
- University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Stelzhamerstraße 23, 4600 Wels, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Davey MP, Norman L, Sterk P, Huete‐Ortega M, Bunbury F, Loh BKW, Stockton S, Peck LS, Convey P, Newsham KK, Smith AG. Snow algae communities in Antarctica: metabolic and taxonomic composition. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 222:1242-1255. [PMID: 30667072 PMCID: PMC6492300 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Snow algae are found in snowfields across cold regions of the planet, forming highly visible red and green patches below and on the snow surface. In Antarctica, they contribute significantly to terrestrial net primary productivity due to the paucity of land plants, but our knowledge of these communities is limited. Here we provide the first description of the metabolic and species diversity of green and red snow algae communities from four locations in Ryder Bay (Adelaide Island, 68°S), Antarctic Peninsula. During the 2015 austral summer season, we collected samples to measure the metabolic composition of snow algae communities and determined the species composition of these communities using metabarcoding. Green communities were protein-rich, had a high chlorophyll content and contained many metabolites associated with nitrogen and amino acid metabolism. Red communities had a higher carotenoid content and contained more metabolites associated with carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism. Chloromonas, Chlamydomonas and Chlorella were found in green blooms but only Chloromonas was detected in red blooms. Both communities also contained bacteria, protists and fungi. These data show the complexity and variation within snow algae communities in Antarctica and provide initial insights into the contribution they make to ecosystem functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P. Davey
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 3EAUK
| | - Louisa Norman
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 3EAUK
| | - Peter Sterk
- Cambridge Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of CambridgeWellcome Trust MRC Building, Hills RoadCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
| | | | - Freddy Bunbury
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 3EAUK
| | | | - Sian Stockton
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 3EAUK
| | - Lloyd S. Peck
- British Antarctic SurveyNERCMadingley RoadCambridgeCB3 0ETUK
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic SurveyNERCMadingley RoadCambridgeCB3 0ETUK
| | | | - Alison G. Smith
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 3EAUK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Barcytė D, Hodač L, Nedbalová L, Elster J. Chloromonas arctica sp. nov., a psychrotolerant alga from snow in the High Arctic (Chlamydomonadales, Chlorophyta). Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2018; 68:851-859. [PMID: 29458669 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
With the advent of molecular phylogenetic methods, it has become possible to assess the bioversity of snow algae more accurately. In this study, we focused on a morphological, ultrastructural and taxonomic description of a new Chloromonas-like alga isolated from snow in the High Arctic (Svalbard). Light and transmission electron microscopy revealed broad ellipsoidal or ellipsoidal-cylindrical, occasionally spherical cells with a chloroplast without a pyrenoid, an inconspicuous eyespot and a papilla. The size difference and the aforementioned morphological traits clearly distinguished the alga from its closest counterparts within the genus Chloromonas. Moreover, we were able to cultivate the alga at both 5 and 20 °C, revealing the psychrotolerant nature of the strain. Phylogenetic analyses of the plastid rbcL and nuclear 18S rRNA gene showed that the alga is nested within a clade containing a number of psychrotolerant strains within the Chloromonadinia phylogroup (Chlorophyceae). In the rbcL phylogeny, the alga formed an independent lineage, sister to the freshwater species Chloromonas paraserbinowii. Comparisons of secondary structure models of a highly variable ITS2 rDNA marker showed support for a distinct species identity for the new strain. The ITS2 secondary structure of the new isolate differed from the closest matches 'Chlamydomonas' gerloffii and Choloromonas reticulata by three and five compensatory base changes, respectively. Considering the morphological and molecular differences from its closest relatives, a new psychrotolerant species from the Arctic, Choromonas arctica sp. nov., is proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dovilė Barcytė
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague 2, 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Hodač
- Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants (with Herbarium), Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Untere Karspüle 2, Göttingen, 37073, Germany
| | - Linda Nedbalová
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague 2, 128 44, Czech Republic.,The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Botany, Dukelská 135, Třeboň, 379 82, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Elster
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Botany, Dukelská 135, Třeboň, 379 82, Czech Republic.,Centre for Polar Ecology, University of South Bohemia, Na Zlaté stoce 3, České Budějovice, 370 05, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Anesio AM, Lutz S, Chrismas NAM, Benning LG. The microbiome of glaciers and ice sheets. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2017; 3:10. [PMID: 28649411 PMCID: PMC5460203 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-017-0019-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaciers and ice sheets, like other biomes, occupy a significant area of the planet and harbour biological communities with distinct interactions and feedbacks with their physical and chemical environment. In the case of the glacial biome, the biological processes are dominated almost exclusively by microbial communities. Habitats on glaciers and ice sheets with enough liquid water to sustain microbial activity include snow, surface ice, cryoconite holes, englacial systems and the interface between ice and overridden rock/soil. There is a remarkable similarity between the different specific glacial habitats across glaciers and ice sheets worldwide, particularly regarding their main primary producers and ecosystem engineers. At the surface, cyanobacteria dominate the carbon production in aquatic/sediment systems such as cryoconite holes, while eukaryotic Zygnematales and Chlamydomonadales dominate ice surfaces and snow dynamics, respectively. Microbially driven chemolithotrophic processes associated with sulphur and iron cycle and C transformations in subglacial ecosystems provide the basis for chemical transformations at the rock interface under the ice that underpin an important mechanism for the delivery of nutrients to downstream ecosystems. In this review, we focus on the main ecosystem engineers of glaciers and ice sheets and how they interact with their chemical and physical environment. We then discuss the implications of this microbial activity on the icy microbiome to the biogeochemistry of downstream ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre M. Anesio
- Bristol Glaciology Centre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1SS UK
| | - Stefanie Lutz
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Nathan A. M. Chrismas
- Bristol Glaciology Centre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1SS UK
| | - Liane G. Benning
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
- Department of Earth Sciences, Free University of Berlin, 12249 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Quarmby LM. When green algae turn red. Environ Microbiol 2017; 19:415-416. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lynne M. Quarmby
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry; Simon Fraser University; British Columbia Canada V5A 1S6
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Terrestrial Microalgae: Novel Concepts for Biotechnology and Applications. PROGRESS IN BOTANY VOL. 79 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/124_2017_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
18
|
Lutz S, Anesio AM, Edwards A, Benning LG. Linking microbial diversity and functionality of arctic glacial surface habitats. Environ Microbiol 2016; 19:551-565. [PMID: 27511455 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Distinct microbial habitats on glacial surfaces are dominated by snow and ice algae, which are the critical players and the dominant primary colonisers and net producers during the melt season. Here for the first time we have evaluated the role of these algae in association with the full microbial community composition (i.e., algae, bacteria, archaea) in distinct surface habitats and on 12 glaciers and permanent snow fields in Svalbard and Arctic Sweden. We cross-correlated these data with the analyses of specific metabolites such as fatty acids and pigments, and a full suite of potential critical physico-chemical parameters including major and minor nutrients, and trace metals. It has been shown that correlations between single algal species, metabolites, and specific geochemical parameters can be used to unravel mixed metabolic signals in complex communities, further assign them to single species and infer their functionality. The data also clearly show that the production of metabolites in snow and ice algae is driven mainly by nitrogen and less so by phosphorus limitation. This is especially important for the synthesis of secondary carotenoids, which cause a darkening of glacial surfaces leading to a decrease in surface albedo and eventually higher melting rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Lutz
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, Potsdam, 14473, Germany.,Cohen Laboratories, School of Earth & Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Alexandre M Anesio
- Bristol Glaciology Centre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1SS, UK
| | - Arwyn Edwards
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3FL, UK.,Interdisciplinary Centre for Environmental Microbiology, Aberystwyth University, SY23 3FL, UK
| | - Liane G Benning
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, Potsdam, 14473, Germany.,Cohen Laboratories, School of Earth & Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rivas C, Navarro N, Huovinen P, Gómez I. Photosynthetic UV stress tolerance of the Antarctic snow alga Chlorella sp. modified by enhanced temperature? REVISTA CHILENA DE HISTORIA NATURAL 2016. [DOI: 10.1186/s40693-016-0050-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|
20
|
Remias D, Pichrtová M, Pangratz M, Lütz C, Holzinger A. Ecophysiology, secondary pigments and ultrastructure of Chlainomonas sp. (Chlorophyta) from the European Alps compared with Chlamydomonas nivalis forming red snow. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2016; 92:fiw030. [PMID: 26884467 PMCID: PMC4815433 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiw030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Red snow is a well-known phenomenon caused by microalgae thriving in alpine and polar regions during the melting season. The ecology and biodiversity of these organisms, which are adapted to low temperatures, high irradiance and freeze-thaw events, are still poorly understood. We compared two different snow habitats containing two different green algal genera in the European Alps, namely algae blooming in seasonal rock-based snowfields (Chlamydomonas nivalis) and algae dominating waterlogged snow bedded over ice (Chlainomonassp.). Despite the morphological similarity of the red spores found at the snow surface, we found differences in intracellular organization investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy and in secondary pigments investigated by chromatographic analysis in combination with mass spectrometry. Spores ofChlainomonassp. show clear differences fromChlamydomonas nivalisin cell wall arrangement and plastid organization. Active photosynthesis at ambient temperatures indicates a high physiological activity, despite no cell division being present. Lipid bodies containing the carotenoid astaxanthin, which produces the red color, dominate cells of both species, but are modified differently. While inChlainomonassp. astaxanthin is mainly esterified with two fatty acids and is more apolar, inChamydomonas nivalis, in contrast, less apolar monoesters prevail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Remias
- University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Wels, Austria
| | - Martina Pichrtová
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Botany, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marion Pangratz
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy, Austria
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lutz S, Anesio AM, Field K, Benning LG. Integrated 'Omics', Targeted Metabolite and Single-cell Analyses of Arctic Snow Algae Functionality and Adaptability. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1323. [PMID: 26635781 PMCID: PMC4659291 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Snow algae are poly-extremophilic microalgae and important primary colonizers and producers on glaciers and snow fields. Depending on their pigmentation they cause green or red mass blooms during the melt season. This decreases surface albedo and thus further enhances snow and ice melting. Although the phenomenon of snow algal blooms has been known for a long time, large aspects of their physiology and ecology sill remain cryptic. This study provides the first in-depth and multi-omics investigation of two very striking adjacent green and red snow fields on a glacier in Svalbard. We have assessed the algal community composition of green and red snow including their associated microbiota, i.e., bacteria and archaea, their metabolic profiles (targeted and non-targeted metabolites) on the bulk and single-cell level, and assessed the feedbacks between the algae and their physico-chemical environment including liquid water content, pH, albedo, and nutrient availability. We demonstrate that green and red snow clearly vary in their physico-chemical environment, their microbial community composition and their metabolic profiles. For the algae this likely reflects both different stages of their life cycles and their adaptation strategies. Green snow represents a wet, carbon and nutrient rich environment and is dominated by the algae Microglena sp. with a metabolic profile that is characterized by key metabolites involved in growth and proliferation. In contrast, the dry and nutrient poor red snow habitat is colonized by various Chloromonas species with a high abundance of storage and reserve metabolites likely to face upcoming severe conditions. Combining a multitude of techniques we demonstrate the power of such complementary approaches in elucidating the function and ecology of extremophiles such as green and red snow algal blooms, which play crucial roles in glacial ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Lutz
- Cohen Laboratories, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds Leeds, UK ; GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences Potsdam, Germany
| | - Alexandre M Anesio
- Bristol Glaciology Centre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol Bristol, UK
| | - Katie Field
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
| | - Liane G Benning
- Cohen Laboratories, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds Leeds, UK ; GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences Potsdam, Germany
| |
Collapse
|