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Abstract
Several species of diatoms, unicellular microalgae which constitute the main component of phytoplankton, are characterized by an impressive photosynthetic efficiency while presenting a noticeable tolerance versus exposure to detrimental UV radiation (UVR). In particular, the growth rate of the araphid diatom Ctenophora pulchella is not significantly affected by harsh treatments with UVR, even in absence of detectable, specific UV-absorbing pigments and even if it is not able to avoid high UV exposure by motility. In this work we applied a multi-disciplinary approach involving numerical computation, photonics, and biological parameters in order to investigate the possible role of the frustule, micro- and nano-patterned silica shell which encloses the cell, in the ability of C. pulchella to efficiently collect photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) and to simultaneously screen the protoplasm from UVR. The characterization of the photonic properties of the frustule has been accompanied by in vivo experiments conducted in water in order to investigate its function as optical coupler between light and plastids.
Highlights
IntroductionUnicellular microalgae which constitute the main component of phytoplankton, are characterized by an impressive photosynthetic efficiency while presenting a noticeable tolerance versus exposure to detrimental UV radiation (UVR)
The role of the frustule in the extraordinary evolutionary and ecological success of diatoms is probably related to several, different functions, comprising mechanical stability, fluid-dynamics, and sunlight harvesting for photosynthesis
Its interaction with UV radiation (UVR) has been the object of several, recent studies which, were focused on the optical characterization of bare frustules rather than on its interplay with the living organisms in their own aquatic environment [33,34,35,36]
Summary
Unicellular microalgae which constitute the main component of phytoplankton, are characterized by an impressive photosynthetic efficiency while presenting a noticeable tolerance versus exposure to detrimental UV radiation (UVR). Over tens of millions of years, all oceans and freshwaters on our planet have been colonized by diatoms, unicellular microalgae which constitute a major component of phytoplankton [1]. Their efficiency in sunlight harvesting and exploitation is confirmed by the huge contribution that they give to global primary production (estimated to be around 20–25% [2]).
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