Massive Trentepohlia-bloom in a glacier valley of Mt. Gongga, China, and a new variety of Trentepohlia (Chlorophyta)

Trentepohlia is a genus of subaerial green algae which is widespread in tropical, subtropical, and also temperate regions with humid climates. For many years, small-scale Trentepohlia coverage had been found on the rocks of some glacier valleys on the northern slopes of Mt. Gongga, China. However, since 2005, in the Yajiageng river valley, most of the rocks are covered with deep red coloured algal carpets, which now form a spectacular sight and a tourist attraction known as ‘Red-Stone-Valley’. Based on morphology and molecular data, we have named this alga as a new variety: Trentepohlia jolithus var. yajiagengensis var. nov., it differs from the type variety in that its end cells of the main filament are often rhizoid, unilateral branches. This new variety only grows on the native rock, both global warming and human activity have provided massive areas of suitable substrata: the rocks surfaces of the Yajiageng river valley floodplain were re-exposed because of heavy debris flows in the summer of 2005; plus human activities such as tourism and road-building have also created a lot of exposed rock! In summer, the glaciers of the northern slopes of Mt. Gongga have brought to the valleys wet and foggy air, ideal for Trentepohlia growth. The cells of the new variety are rich in secondary carotenoids (astaxanthin?), which helps the algal cells resistance to strong ultraviolet radiation at high altitudes (they are only found on rock surfaces at alt. 1900–3900 m); the cells are also rich in oils, which gives them high resistance to cold dry winters.     

Biomass production,total protein,chlorophylls, lipids and fatty acids of freshwater green and blue-green algae under different nitrogen regimes

Two green algae (Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus obliquus) and four blue-green algae (Anacystis nidulans, Microcystis aeruginosa, Oscillatoria rubescens and Spirulina platensis) were grown in 81 batch cultures at different nitrogen levels. In all the algae increasing N levels led to an increase in the biomass (from 8 to 450 mg/l), in protein content (from 8 to 54 %) and in chlorophyll. At low N levels, the green algae contained a high percentage of total lipids (45 % of the biomass). More than 70 % of these were neutral lipids such as triacylglycerols (containing mainly 16:0 and 18:1 fatty acids) and trace amounts of hydrocarbons. At high N levels, the percentage of total lipids dropped to about 20 % of the dry weight. In the latter case the predominant lipids were polar lipids containing polyunsaturated C₁₆ and C₁₈ fatty acids. The blue-green algae, however, did not show any significant changes in their fatty acid and lipid compositions, when the nitrogen concentrations in the nutrient medium were varied. Thus the green but not the blue-green algae can be manipulated in mass cultures to yield a biomass with desired fatty acid and lipid compositions. The data may indicate a hitherto unrecognized distinction between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.     

Formation of biomass,total protein,chlorophylls, lipids and fatty acids in green and blue-green algae during one growth phase.

Batch cultures (8–32 l.) of Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus obliquus and of Anacystis nidulans and Microcystis aeruginosa were grown in media containing 0.001 % KNO₃ and at several stages in growth sampled for biomass, total protein, chlorophylls, lipids and fatty acids. With increasing time and decreasing nitrogen concentrations, the biomass of all of the algae increased, whereas the total protein and chlorophyll content dropped. Green and blue-green algae, however, behaved differently in their lipid metabolism. In the green algae the total lipid and fatty acid content as well as the composition of these compounds changed considerably during one growth phase and was dependent on the nitrogen concentration in the media at any given day of growth. More specifically, during the initial stages of growth the green algae produced larger amounts of polar lipids and polyunsaturated C₁₆ and C₁₈ fatty acids. Towards the end of growth, however, these patterns changed in that the main lipids of the green algae were neutral with mainly saturated fatty acids (mostly 18:1 and 16:0). Such changes did not occur in the blue-green algae. These differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic algae can possibly be explained by the ‘endosymbiont theory’.     

An inexpensive inorganic medium for the mass cultivation of freshwater microalgae

A new and inexpensive inorganic medium (‘DS medium’) for the mass cultivation of freshwater blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) and green algae has been developed. It consists basically of distilled or demineralized water (90%) and seawater (10%) and requires only little addition of pure purchasable chemicals (phosphate, trace elements, if necessary nitrate). No addition of macronutrients (NaCl, MgCl₂ or MgSO₄, KCl or K₂SO₄, CaCl₂) and of boron is required because they are sufficiently provided by the seawater. Decalcified water may also be suitable instead of demineralized water. For the cultivation of green algae, a higher trace element concentration is recommended than for blue-green algae. Because of its low total salt concentration the DS medium is freshwater-like. It is easy to prepare and effects rapid algal growth. It may be of special value for algal mass culture in regions which are close to the sea.     

Terrestrial lithophilic algae in a granite canyon of the Teteriv River (Ukraine)

Sixty-eight species of algae were found on granite outcrops of a canyon of the Teteriv River in the forest zone of Ukraine (Cyanoprokaryota 1 species, Chlorophyta 49, Streptophyta 11, Xanthophyta 2, Eustigmatophyta 1, Bacillariophyta 4). Two of these are new records for the flora of Ukraine [Spirotaenia bryophila (Brébisson) Lütkemüller and Coelastrella multistriata (Trenkwalder) Kalina et Pun?ochá?ová] and several are rare and interesting species [Stichococcus mirabilis Lagerheim, Dictyochloropsis splendida Geitler, D. reticulata (Tschermak-Woess) Tschermak-Woess, Mesotaenium macrococcum (Kützing) Roy et Bisset, M. chlamydosporum De Bary, Klebsormidium cf. bilatum Lokhorst]. The species composition of algae of this granite canyon was characterized by the following specific features: a high diversity of green algae (mainly trebouxiophycean and streptophycean algae); a considerable species diversity and abundance of green conjugating algae among the mentioned streptophycean algae; a low species diversity of cyanoprokaryotes, as well as the presence of the genera Mesotaenium Nägeli and Trentepohlia Martius in the dominating complex. Two slopes of the canyon with different expositions and plant cover were characterized by different proportions of epilithic and chasmoendolithic groups of algae as well as different dominating complexes. The species composition of algae from granite canyon of forest zone was the most similar to the more humid and shaded habitats of a granite canyon of steppe zone of Ukraine studied previously.     

Algal nitrogen fixation in the tropics

Summary a)Nitrogen fixation in rice fields. Nitrogen-fixing blue-green algae grow abundantly in tropical regions and are particularly common in paddy fields. Their possible role in the nitrogen accumulation of soil has been studied. The most vigorous nitrogen-fixing blue-green algae have been assessed for use as green manure in rice fields and favorable effects have been reported in India and other countries. b)Nitrogen fixation by algae in water. The planktonic blue-green algae occur abundantly at certain time of the year in sea water and lake water, and some of them are known to be nitrogen fixers. Certain Japanese species of blue-green algae can withstand high temperatures including ten nitrogen-fixing species from hot-spring waters. c)Nitrogen fixation by symbiotic blue-green algae. Certain species of blue-green algae form associations with other organisms such as fungi, liverworts, ferns and seed plants. The relationship between these two organisms is on one occasion commensal and on others symbiotic. Certain symbiotic blue-green algae are provided with the ability to fix the atmospheric nitrogen.     

Phototrophic Biofilms on Ancient Mayan Buildings in Yucatan, Mexico

Buildings at the important archaeological sites of Uxmal and Kabah, Mexico, are being degraded by microbial biofilms. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) and chlorophyll a analyses indicated that phototrophs were the major epilithic microorganisms and were more prevalent on interior walls than exterior walls. Culture and microscopical techniques showed that Xenococcus formed the major biomass on interior surfaces, but the stone-degrading genera Gloeocapsa and Synechocystis were also present in high numbers. Relatively few filamentous algae and cyanobacteria were detected. The fatty acid analysis also showed that complex biofilms colonize these buildings. Circular depressions observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on stone and stucco surfaces beneath the biofilm corresponded in shape and size to coccoid cyanobacteria. SEM images also demonstrated the presence of calcareous deposits on some coccoid cells in the biofilm. Phototrophic biofilms may contribute to biodegradation by (1) providing nutrients that support growth of acid-producing fungi and bacteria and (2) active “boring” behavior, the solubilized calcium being reprecipitated as calcium carbonate. Received: 15 March 1999 / Accepted: 24 June 1999     

Nitrogenase Activity in Relation to Intracellular Organisms in Sphagnum Mosses

Electron microscopic studies of Sphagnum lindbergii (Schimp.) and S. riparium (Ångstr.) have revealed the presence of intracellular organisms such as blue-green algae, green algae, bacteria and fungi. Nitrogenase activities of these Sphagnum mosses were found to be related mainly to the presence of intracellular Nostoc filaments. The appearance of nitrogen-fixing blue-green algae within bryophytes is thus not restricted to liverworts. The association is likely to be of ecological importance as it seems to occur in very acid habitats generally lacking blue-green algae. Possible interrelations between the moss, the blue-green algae and different types of bacteria are discussed.     

Biological activity of l-2-azetidinecarboxylic acid,isolated from Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum, against several algae

The biological activities of an aqueous fraction extracted from Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum Owhi and of l-2-azetidinecarboxylic acid (AZC), purified from the extract, on the growth of several types of algae were tested. The aqueous fraction was prepared by methanol extraction of P. odoratum var. pluriflorum rhizomes followed by reverse partitioning with butanol. The aqueous extraction inhibited growth of the green alga Chlorella vulgaris by less than 10% at a concentration of 1000 mg L⁻¹. However, growth of the blue-green alga Microcystis aeruginosa was inhibited by 22.0%, 67.9%, and 87.1%, respectively, at 3.1, 6.2, and 12.5 mg extract L⁻¹. AZC was isolated from the aqueous extract and was shown to be the major active substance inhibiting algal growth. AZC concentrations higher than 25 μM inhibited growth, while at 400 μM, growth of the green algae C. vulgaris and Scenedesmus spp. was inhibited by 71.2% and 70.4%, respectively. In contrast, growth of the blue-green algae Anabaena affinis and M. aeruginosa was inhibited at concentrations greater than 1.6 and 0.2 μM, respectively, whereas 92% control required concentrations of 6.3 and 1.6 μM, respectively. AZC also suppressed the growth of the red-tide microalga Cochlodinium polykrikoides by 86.9% and 100% at concentrations of 6.3 and 12.5 μM, respectively. Azetidine and 2-azetidinone showed little activity on the tested algae. The results demonstrate that AZC selectively inhibits algal growth at low concentrations. The green algae C. vulgaris and Scenedesmus spp. were tolerant, whereas M. aeruginosa, A. affinis, and C. polykrikoides were relatively sensitive. Thus, extract and AZC, prepared from P. odoratum rhizomes, showed a potential as natural selective algicide for the control of harmful algae in laboratory assay.     

Nutritional studies on Chloroflexus,a filamentous photosynthetic,gliding bacterium

Nutritional studies on four different strains of Chloroflexus, a new genus of filamentous, photosynthetic bacteria are described. This organism appears to be related to several different procaryotic groups, and in particular to the green sulfur bacteria and blue-green algae. Unlike these autotrophs, however, Chloroflexus is nutritionally diverse, being able to grow aerobically as a light-independent heterotroph, and anaerobically as a photoautotroph or photoheterotroph. Numerous organic carbon sources including hexoses, amino acids, short chain fatty acids, organic acids, and some alcohols are utilized under various growth conditions. These results suggest that this organism may be among the most nutritionally versatile organisms known.     

Glucan and glucosyltransferase isozymes of Glaucocystis nostochinearum

The storage glucan of the alga, Glaucocystis nostochinearum was isolated in dimethyl sulfoxide. The absorption spectrum of its iodine complex was identical with those of other green algae but differed from that of blue-green algae. It was similar to amylopectin, and was much less branched than the phytoglycogen of Cyanophytes. The pattern of glycosyltransferase isozymes involved in the synthesis of this glucan (phosphorylases, synthetases and branching isozymes) was similar to those of Chlorophytes. The branching isozymes of this alga were typical Chlorophycean “Q” enzymes and could only insert branch linkages into linear amylose-like substrates; they were unable to further branch amylopectins, as can the branching isozymes of blue-green algae. If the plastids of this alga are endosymbiotic blue-green algae, then they have lost the ability to form highly branched glucans typical of Cyanophytes.     

Summer algal communities and primary productivity in fish ponds

The paper presents data on primary productivity and phytoplankton communities in new experimental ponds which received the following treatments; ammonium nitrate and triplesuperphosphate, triplesuperphosphate, cracked corn (10% crude protein) and Auburn No. 3 fish feed (36% crude protein). Comparative data on algal communities were also obtained from production ponds which received feeds or fertilizers. Basic ecological data on macro-algae are also presented.

1. All nutrient additions to experimental ponds resulted in higher levels of gross photosynthesis and greater concentrations of chlorophyll a than were found in the control treatments. Fertilization with both nitrogen and phosphorus gave the highest values. Chlorophyll a and gross photosynthesis were higher in ponds receiving high protein content feed (Auburn No. 3) than in ponds to which low protein content feed (corn) was applied.
2. Persistent blooms of blue-green algae occurred in ponds receiving nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization. Phosphorus only fertilization produced blooms of blue-greens, but these blooms did not persist as in the ponds to which nitrogen was also added. Control ponds were dominated by green algae. Blue-green algae were seldom abundant in feed treatments.
3. Production ponds had high level of gross photosynthesis and large concentrations of chlorophyll a.
4. Many of the production ponds which received feed applications developed heavy blooms of blue-green algae.
5. The major species of blue-green algae observed in the present study were Oscillatoria sp., Raphidiopsis curvata, Anacystis nidulans, A. aeruginosa, Spirulina sp., and Anabaena circinalis. Heterocyst bearing forms, which can presumably fix nitrogen, were seldom noted in ponds that received continuous additions of nitrogen from fish feeds.
6. Macro-algae are abundant in many fish ponds. Data illustrating the competition of macro-algae with phytoplankton are presented.

     

Studies on the hormonal relationships of algae in pure culture

Summary Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) stimulated the growth (increase in dry weight) of the blue-green algae Anacystis nidulans, Chlorogloea fritschii, Phormidium foveolarum, Nostoc muscorum, Anabaena cylindrica, and Tolypothrix tenuis and the green algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Ankistrodesmus falcatus and Scenedesmus obliquus growing under as sterile conditions as possible. The optimum concentration varied from species to species; in the blue-green algae it ranged from 10^-5 to 10^-9 M and in the green algae it was 10^-3 M. These results are discussed in the light of present studies in this field.     

Action Spectra for Chromatic Adaptation in Tolypothrix tenuis

The dark synthesis of biliproteins in the blue-green alga Tolypothrix tenuis is controlled by brief light treatments. Green light potentiates synthesis of phycoerythrin and red light potentiates synthesis of phycocyanin. Red reverses the effect of green and vice versa. Action spectra for the red and green effects were obtained for the wavelength region 320 nanometers to 710 nanometers, at 10-nanometer intervals. The principal action band in the red peaks at 660 nanometers, with a half-band width of 58 nanometers and an accompanying shortwave band at 360 nanometers. The green action band peaks at 550 nanometers, with a half-band width of 76 nanometers, and a shortwave band at 350 nanometers. Chromatic adaptation and another photomorphogenic response in the blue-green algae are discussed in terms of possible regulation by a photoreversible pigment recently isolated from Tolypothrix.     

Grazing by Talorchestia longicornis on an algal mat in a new England salt marsh

Grazing experiments using ¹⁴C and an analysis of fecal pellets and gut contents established that the gammaridean amphipod, Talorchestia longicornis Say, ingests blue-green algae on algal mats in a Massachusetts salt marsh. This grazing had a measurable effect on the lower algal mat, where the density of T. longicornis was high. Exclusion of amphipods resulted in increases in chlorophyll a content, carbon incorporation, and nitrogen fixation. This effect was not seen on the upper mat where T. longicornis was less abundant. The assimilation efficiency of T. longicornis feeding on a diet consisting mainly of blue-green algae was surprisingly high (67 %) considering that blue-green algae are usually considered as a poor quality food for herbivores. The population of T. longicornis seems to be annual, with growth of the overwintered juveniles in spring and early summer.     

Superoxide dismutases in photosynthetic organisms: absence of the cuprozinc enzyme in eukaryotic algae.

Superoxide dismutases in photosynthetic organisms at different evolutionary levels were characterized using the criterion that the Cu,Zn-enzyme is sensitive to cyanide while the Mn- and Fe-enzymes are insensitive. The effect of the antibody against spinach Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase was also tested as a means of distinguishing the several forms of the enzyme. Superoxide dismutase activity in extracts from photosynthetic bacteria, prokaryotic algae (blue-green algae), and eukaryotic algae (red, green, and brown algae, diatoms, Euglena, and Charophyta) were insensitive to cyanide and to the antibody, suggesting the presence of the Fe- and/or Mn-enzymes and the absence of the Cu,Zn-enzyme. In contrast, ferns, mosses, and seed plants including gymnosperms and angiosperms contained the Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase in addition to the cyanidein-sensitive enzyme in soluble or bound form. Although an aerial green alga lacks the Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase, aquatic angiosperms and ferns, like other land plants, contain this form of superoxide dismutase. Thus the distribution of the Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase does not reflect the habitat but, rather, the phylogeny of the organism. The relation between the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere and the appearance of various forms of superoxide dismutase during the evolution of photosynthetic organisms is discussed.     

HYALOPYRENIA JAPONICA,A PECULIAR NEW PYRENOCARPOUS LICHEN GENUS FROM JAPAN

Hyalopyrenia japonicaHarada (lichenized Ascomycotina) is described as a new genus on the basis of a specimen from friable rock in forests in Chiba-ken, central Japan. It is characterized by a poorly developed crustose thallus, aTrentepohliaphycobiont, immersed perithecia with hyaline walls, simple paraphyses and periphyses, non-amyloid bitunicate asci with an ocular chamber, and transversely septate hyaline spores.Hyalopyreniais monotypic, and its taxonomic position is uncertain.     

Antimicrobial effects of Cellvibrio on blue-green algae

Summary The culture fluids from two Cellvibrio strains, in the stationary phase of growth, are shown to contain heat-resistant, low molecular weight substances with antibiotic-like effects on blue-green algae. Morphological changes and lysis of cells were observed in various species of blue-green algae; ultrastructural changes were noted in the cell walls of growing vegetative cells of Anabaena inaequalis. The viability of resting cells, including heterocysts and akinetes was not affected.     

Comparative studies on the regulation of DAHP synthetase activity in blue-green and green algae

Summary Regulation of DAHP synthetase activity was investigated in autotrophically grown blue-green and green algae. Members of the class of blue-green algae possess an enzyme, the activity of which is regulated by l-tyrosine and l-phenylalanine, whereby l-tyrosine is effective in 100 fold lower concentrations. DAHP synthetases of two organisms, Anabaena and Anacystis, were shown to belong to the V-type of allosteric enzymes.In contrast to the DAHP synthetase of blue-green algae regulation of this enzyme could not be demonstrated in two green algae, Ankistrodesmus and Maesotaenium. However, Euglena gracilis, both under conditions of mixotrophic and autotrophic growth, exhibits very effective regulation of this key enzyme; again, the inhibitors are tyrosine and phenylalanine. DAHP synthetase activity of Euglena has been purified about 40 fold; during this enrichment no separation of the enzyme activity inhibited by tyrosine and that by phenylalanine could be observed.