Effects of environmental parameters on macroalgae Gracilaria domingensis: acclimation and photoprotection strategy on specie

Author(s)

Dinaelza Castelo Pereira

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Conjunto das Químicas (IQ e FCF) (CQ/DBDCQ)
• Defense date: 2014-10-31

Examining board members

Pio Colepicolo Neto; Erick Leite Bastos; Mutue Toyota Fujii; Carlos Takeshi Hotta; Márcia Foster Mesko

• Advisor: Pio Colepicolo Neto

Abstract

In their natural habitat algae are exposed to simultaneous action of various factors, as radiation (photosynthetically active radiation and ultraviolet), temperature, salinity, nutrient availability and others. The variation in these factors in the natural environment occurs collectively and the algae capability for quick response is determinant for survival. In this work, studies related to the effects of environmental variation on the macroalgae Gracilaria domingensis were performed. Three chromatic strains were cultivated in the sea, at different times of the year (dry and rainy seasons). Biochemical and photosynthetic responses were accessed on a daylight time scale and on a week time scale. The reached results for photosynthetic parameters, pigment content, glutathione concentrations, mycosporine-like amino acids concentrations, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus tissue content, lipids and fatty acids levels and agar yield, revealed the altered biochemical and physiological profile of macroalgae. These changes were environment related and suggest metabolism changes as a strategy used by this organism to acclimate. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/17644-2 - Effects of solar radiation on red algae Gracilaria domingensis: photoprotection and photoaclimatacion strategies of the specie
• Grantee: Dinaelza Castelo Pereira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate