Multifaceted characterization of a Lemanea fluviatilis population (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) from a glacial stream in the south-eastern Alps

Abstract

The aim of this study was a combined and multifaceted characterization (morphological, molecular, lipid, pigment, and ecological data) of a Lemanea (freshwater red alga) population from the south-eastern Alps, exploring its adaptive strategies to the montane habitat, (turbulent, very-cold glacial stream with extremely low-conductivity). Although the thalli were small (only up to 1 cm), the morphology was within the current circumscription of Lemanea fluviatilis. The molecular data placed this population within a clade of specimens identified as L. fluviatilis and L. fucina. This L. fluviatilis population was determined to possess lipid classes, especially phosphatidylcholine and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol with high unsaturation index (UI) and long acyl chains, which are typical adaptations for maintaining adequate membrane fluidity and consequently all the metabolic processes associated to the plasma membrane. The carotenoids profile revealed that, besides α /β-carotene, there are significant amounts of zeaxanthin and lutein. This study further demonstrated that red algae are a rich source of important food web w-3 fatty acids and may play an important role in the diets of grazers. L. fluviatilis is reported from one of the highest elevations (2,170 m a.s.l.) known for the genus Lemanea and this species. This study confirms the presence of L. fluviatilis in a cold, unpolluted, turbulent stream and this type of stream may be its preferred habitat.