Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Identity, ecology and ecophysiology of planktic green algae dominating in ice-covered lakes on James Ross Island (northeastern Antarctic Peninsula)

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Extremophiles Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the phylogenetic relationships, ecology and ecophysiological characteristics of the dominant planktic algae in ice-covered lakes on James Ross Island (northeastern Antarctic Peninsula). Phylogenetic analyses of 18S rDNA together with analysis of ITS2 rDNA secondary structure and cell morphology revealed that the two strains belong to one species of the genus Monoraphidium (Chlorophyta, Sphaeropleales, Selenastraceae) that should be described as new in future. Immotile green algae are thus apparently capable to become the dominant primary producer in the extreme environment of Antarctic lakes with extensive ice-cover. The strains grew in a wide temperature range, but the growth was inhibited at temperatures above 20 °C, indicating their adaptation to low temperature. Preferences for low irradiances reflected the light conditions in their original habitat. Together with relatively high growth rates (0.4–0.5 day−1) and unprecedently high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, more than 70% of total fatty acids), it makes these isolates interesting candidates for biotechnological applications.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Allen MM (1968) Simple conditions for growth of unicellular blue-green algae on plates. J Phycol 4:1–4

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Altschul SF, Gish W, Miller W, Myers EW, Lipman DJ (1990) Basic local alignment search tool. J Mol Biol 215:403–410

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bischoff HW, Bold HC (1963) Phycological studies IV. Some soil algae from enchanted rock and related algal species. Univ Tex Austin 6318:1–95

    Google Scholar 

  • Butler HG, Edworthy MG, Ellis-Evans JC (2000) Temporal plankton dynamics in an oligotrophic maritime Antarctic lake. Freshw Biol 43:215–230

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caisová L, Marin B, Melkonian M (2011) A close-up view on ITS2 evolution and speciation—a case study in the Ulvophyceae (Chlorophyta, Viridiplantae). BMC Evol Biol 11:262

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Caisová L, Marin B, Melkonian M (2013) A consensus secondary structure of ITS2 in the Chlorophyta identified by phylogenetic reconstruction. Protist 164:482–496

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Coleman AW (2000) The significance of a coincidence between evolutionary landmarks found in mating affinity and a DNA sequence. Protist 151:1–9

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Coleman AW (2003) ITS2 is a double-edged tool for eukaryote evolutionary comparisons. Trends Genet 19:370–375

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Darty K, Denise A, Ponty Y (2009) VARNA: interactive drawing and editing of the RNA secondary structure. Bioinformatics 25:1974–1975

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Davies BJ, Glasser NF, Carrivick JL, Hambrey MJ, Smellie JL, Nývlt D (2013) Landscape evolution and ice-sheet behaviour in a semi-arid polar environment: James Ross Island, NE Antarctic Peninsula. In: Hambrey MJ, Barker PF, Barrett PJ, Bowman VC, Davies BJ, Smellie JL, Tranter M (eds) Antarctic palaeoenvironments and earth surface processes, vol 381. Geological Society of London, Special Publications, London, pp 1–43

  • Dembitsky VM, Rezanka T, Rozentsvet OA (1993) Lipid composition of 3 macrophytes from the Caspian Sea. Phytochemistry 33:1015–1019

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dolhi JM, Maxwell DP, Morgan-Kiss RM (2013) Review: the Antarctic Chlamydomonas raudensis: an emerging model for cold adaptation of photosynthesis. Extremophiles 17:711–722

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Elster J, Nedbalová L, Vodrážka R, Láska K, Haloda J, Komárek J (2016) Unusual biogenic calcite structures in two shallow lakes, James Ross Island, Antarctica. Biogeosciences 13:535–549

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fawley MW, Dean ML, Dimmer SK, Fawley KP (2006) Evaluating the morphospecies concept in the Selenastraceae (Chlorophyceae, Chlorophyta). J Phycol 42:142–154

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guichardant M, Traitler H, Spielmann D, Sprecher H, Finot PA (1993) Stearidonic acid, an inhibitor of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway—a comparison with timnodonic and dihomogammalinolenic acid. Lipids 28:321–324

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hamby KR, Sims L, Issel L, Zimmer E (1988) Direct ribosomal RNA sequencing: optimization of extraction and sequencing methods for work with higher plants. Plant Mol Biol Rep 6:175–192

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hodač L, Brinkmann N, Mohr KI, Arp G, Hallmann C, Ramm J, Spitzer K, Friedl T (2015) Diversity of microscopic green algae (Chlorophyta) in calcifying biofilms of two karstic streams in Germany. Geomicrobiol J 32:275–290

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hodač L, Hallmann C, Spitzer K, Elster J, Faßhauer F, Brinkmann N, Lepka D, Diwan V, Friedl T (2016) Widespread green algae Chlorella and Stichococcus exhibit polar-temperate and tropical-temperate biogeography. FEMS Microbiol Ecol. doi:10.1093/femsec/fiw122

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hoshina R (2014) DNA analyses of a private collection of microbial green algae contribute to a better understanding of microbial diversity. BMC Res Notes 7:592

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Izaguirre I, Allende L, Marinone MC (2003) Comparative study of the planktonic communities of three lakes of contrasting trophic status at Hope Bay (Antarctic Peninsula). J Plankton Res 25:1079–1097

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Katana A, Kwiatowski J, Spalik K, Zakrys B, Szalacha E, Szymanska H (2001) Phylogenetic position of Koliella (Chlorophyta) as inferred from nuclear and chloroplast small subunit rDNA. J Phycol 37:443–451

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Komárek J, Fott B (1983) Chlorophyceae (Grünalgen), Ordnung Chlorococcales. In: Huber-Pestalozzi G (ed) Das Phytoplankton des Süsswassers, Die Binnengewässer 16. Schweizerbart Verlag, Stuttgart, pp 629–645

    Google Scholar 

  • Komárek J, Nedbalová L, Hauer T (2012) Phylogenetic position and taxonomy of three heterocytous cyanobacteria dominating the littoral of deglaciated lakes, James Ross Island, Antarctica. Polar Biol 35:759–774

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Komárková-Legnerová J (1969) The systematics and ontogenesis of the genera Ankistrodesmus Corda and Monoraphidium gen. nov. In: Fott B (ed) Studies in Phycology. Academia, Prague, pp 75–144

    Google Scholar 

  • Kopalová K, Nedbalová L, Nývlt D, Elster J, Van de Vijver B (2013) Diversity, ecology and biogeography of the freshwater diatom communities from Ulu Peninsula (James Ross Island, NE Antarctic Peninsula). Polar Biol 36:933–948

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krienitz L, Bock C (2012) Present state of the systematics of planktonic coccoid green algae of inland waters. Hydrobiologia 698:295–326

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krienitz L, Wirth M (2006) The high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in Nannochloropsis limnetica (Eustigmatophyceae) and its implication for food web interactions, freshwater aquaculture and biotechnology. Limnologica 36:204–210

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krienitz L, Bock C, Nozaki H, Wolf M (2011) SSU rRNA gene phylogeny of morphospecies affiliated to the bioassay alga Selenastrum capricornutum recovered the polyphyletic origin of crescent-shaped Chlorophyta. J Phycol 47:880–893

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kvíderová J (2010) Rapid algal toxicity assay using variable chlorophyll fluorescence for Chlorella kessleri (Chlorophyta). Environ Toxicol 25:554–563

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kvíderová J, Henley WJ (2005) The effect of ampicillin plus streptomycin on growth and photosynthesis of two halotolerant chlorophyte algae. J Appl Phycol 17:301–307

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kvíderová J, Lukavský J (2001) A new unit for crossed gradients of temperature and light. Nova Hedwig Beih 123:541–550

    Google Scholar 

  • Lang IK, Hodač L, Friedl T, Feussner I (2011) Fatty acid profiles and their distribution patterns in microalgae: a comprehensive analysis of more than 2000 strains from the SAG culture collection. BMC Plant Biol 11(art. 124):16

    Google Scholar 

  • Láska K, Prošek P, Budík L (2010) Seasonal variation of air temperature at the Mendel Station, James Ross Island in the period of 2006–2009. In: EGU general assembly conference abstracts, vol 12, p 3880

  • Laybourn-Parry J, Bayliss P (1996) Seasonal dynamics of the planktonic community in Lake Druzhby, Princess Elizabeth Land, Eastern Antarctica. Freshw Biol 35:57–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laybourn-Parry J, Pearce DA (2007) The biodiversity and ecology of Antarctic lakes: models for evolution. Philos Trans R Soc B 362:2273–2289

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Laybourn-Parry J, Wadham J (2014) Antarctic lakes. Oxford University Press, Oxford

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Lísa M, Holčapek M, Boháč M (2009) Statistical evaluation of triacylglycerol composition in plant oils based on high-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry data. J Agric Food Chem 57:6888–6898

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Morgan-Kiss R, Ivanov AG, Williams J, Khan M, Huner NPA (2002) Differential thermal effects on the energy distribution between photosystem II and photosystem I in thylakoid membranes of a psychrophilic and a mesophilic alga. BBA Biomembr 1561:251–265

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morgan-Kiss RM, Priscu JC, Pocock T, Gudynaite-Savitch L, Huner NPA (2006) Adaptation and acclimation of photosynthetic microorganisms to permanently cold environments. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 70:222–252

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Morgan-Kiss RM, Ivanov AG, Modla S, Czymmek K, Huner NPA, Priscu JC, Lisle JT, Hanson TE (2008) Identity and physiology of a new psychrophilic eukaryotic green alga, Chlorella sp., strain BI, isolated from a transitory pond near Bratina Island, Antarctica. Extremophiles 12:701–711

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Morita RY (1975) Psychrophilic bacteria. Bacteriol Rev 39:144–167

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Nadeau TL, Castenholz RW (2000) Characterization of psychrophilic oscillatorians (Cyanobacteria) from Antarctic meltwater ponds. J Phycol 36:914–923

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nedbalová L, Nývlt D, Kopáček J, Šobr M, Elster J (2013) Freshwater lakes of Ulu Peninsula, James Ross Island, north-east Antarctic Peninsula: origin, geomorphology and physical and chemical limnology. Antarct Sci 25:358–372

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Øvstedal DO, Lewis-Smith RI (2001) Lichens of Antarctica and South Georgia. A guide to their identification and ecology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Peksa O, Škaloud P (2011) Do photobionts influence the ecology of lichens? A case study of environmental preferences in symbiotic green alga Asterochloris (Trebouxiophyceae). Mol Ecol 20:3936–3948

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pocock T, Lachance MA, Proschold T, Priscu JC, Kim SS, Huner NPA (2004) Identification of a psychrophilic green alga from Lake Bonney Antarctica: Chlamydomonas raudensis Ettl. (UWO 241) Chlorophyceae. J Phycol 40:1138–1148

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Posada D (2008) jModelTest: phylogenetic model averaging. Mol Biol Evol 25:1253–1256

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rambaut A (2014) FigTree Version 1.4.2. Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh. http://tree.bio.ed.ac.uk/software/figtree/. Accessed 15 June 2016

  • Řezanka T, Nedbalová L, Sigler K (2008) Unusual medium-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from the snow alga Chloromonas brevispina. Microbiol Res 163:373–379

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Seaburg KG, Parker BC, Wharton RA, Simmons GM (1981) Temperature-growth responses of algal isolates from Antarctic oases. J Phycol 17:353–360

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Škaloud P, Nedbalová L, Elster J, Komárek J (2013) A curious occurrence of Hazenia broadyi spec. nova in Antarctica and the review of the genus Hazenia (Ulotrichales, Chlorophyceae). Polar Biol 36:1281–1291

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tang EPY, Tremblay R, Vincent WF (1997) Cyanobacterial dominance of polar freshwater ecosystems: are high-latitude mat-formers adapted to low temperature? J Phycol 33:171–181

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thompson JD, Higgins DG, Gibson TJ (1994) Clustal-W—improving the sensitivity of progressive multiple sequence alignment through sequence weighting, position-specific gap penalties and weight matrix choice. Nucleic Acids Res 22:4673–4680

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Vincent WF (1982) Autecology of an ultraplanktonic shade alga in Lake Tahoe. J Phycol 18:226–232

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • White TJ, Bruns T, Lee SJWT, Taylor JW (1990) Amplification and direct sequencing of fungal ribosomal RNA genes for phylogenetics. PCR Methods Appl 18:315–322

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolf M, Chen SL, Song JY, Ankenbrand M, Muller T (2013) Compensatory base changes in ITS2 secondary structures correlate with the biological species concept despite intragenomic variability in ITS2 sequences—a proof of concept. PLoS One 8:e66726

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Yee W (2016) Microalgae from the Selenastraceae as emerging candidates for biodiesel production: a mini review. World J Microb Biotechnol 32:64

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zuker M (2003) Mfold web server for nucleic acid folding and hybridization prediction. Nucleic Acids Res 31:3406–3415

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Zwickl DJ (2006) GARLI: genetic algorithm for rapid likelihood inference. http://www.bio.utexas.edu/faculty/antisense/garli/Garli.html. Accessed 15 June 2016

Download references

Acknowledgements

The research was supported by the CzechPolar project LM2010009 and CzechPolar2 project LM2015078 supported by Ministry of Education Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic, Czech Science Foundation (GACR) project P503 14-00227S and by the Institutional Internal Project RVO67985939. We are indebted particularly to the staff and scientific infrastructure of the J. G. Mendel Czech Antarctic Station.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic

    Linda Nedbalová, Martin Mihál & Lenka Procházková

  2. Centre for Phycology, Institute of Botany, CAS, Dukelská 135, 379 82, Třeboň, Czech Republic

    Linda Nedbalová, Jana Kvíderová & Josef Elster

  3. Centre for Polar Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic

    Jana Kvíderová & Josef Elster

  4. Institute of Microbiology, CAS, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic

    Tomáš Řezanka

Authors
  1. Linda Nedbalová
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Martin Mihál
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jana Kvíderová
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Lenka Procházková
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Tomáš Řezanka
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Josef Elster
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Linda Nedbalová.

Additional information

Communicated by A. Oren.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Nedbalová, L., Mihál, M., Kvíderová, J. et al. Identity, ecology and ecophysiology of planktic green algae dominating in ice-covered lakes on James Ross Island (northeastern Antarctic Peninsula). Extremophiles 21, 187–200 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00792-016-0894-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00792-016-0894-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation