Red Alga Bangia Atropurpurea Research Articles

On Bangia atropurpurea (Bangiales, Rhodophyta), the strictly protected red alga in Serbia

The first observation of the red alga Bangia atropurpurea (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) in Serbia was in 1991 in the Trgoviski Timok River (Eastern Serbia). From 1991 to 2017, the species was sporadically observed at four more locations in three hillmountain rivers in Southwestern (the Gvozdacka River and the Raska River) and Eastern (the Nisava River - two localities) Serbia. More intensive research on this alga was carried out from 2017 to 2020, and a total of 220 localities in 132 hillmountain watercourses were studied. Bangia atropurpurea was recorded at six locations in Southwestern and Eastern Serbia. Five of these locations represent new B. atropurpurea localities in Serbia (the Brusnicka River, the Golijska Moravica River, the Panjica River, the Resava River, and the second locality in the Trgoviski Timok River), while one of them is already known from previous studies (the Raska River). The species was found in running, moderately hard and very hard, well-oxygenated, slightly alkaline waters, mainly low in inorganic nutrients, and in highly variable values of temperature and conductivity. Despite the long period since its first observation in Serbian rivers, the species is still known in a small number of localities. The small number of localities, low relative abundance, and various anthropogenic influences affecting its habitats have led the species to be recognized as endangered and strictly protected in Serbia. The intensive development of small hydropower plants which have emerged in recent years may threaten B. atropurpurea habitats.

Uranium sorption by native and nitrilotriacetate-modified Bangia atropurpurea biomass: kinetics and thermodynamics

In this study, the red alga Bangia atropurpurea was modified with nitrilotriacetate (NTA) ligand and used for removal of U(VI) ions from aqueous solution using native form as a control system. The modification of B. atropurpurea biomass was realized by sequential treatment of algal biomass with glutaraldehyde and NTA ligand. Influence of U(VI) sorption parameters, such as contact time, adsorbent amount, medium pH and ionic strength, initial U(VI) ions concentration, and temperature on the removal performance of both algal biomasses were studied from aqueous solution. The hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups were the main adsorptive groups of the biomasses as observed in FTIR data, and these groups can bind to U(VI) ions via electrostatic interactions. More than 78% of total sorption took place within 40 min, and equilibrium was established about 60 min. Maximum sorption capacities of the native and NTA-modified algal biomasses were found to be 190.2 and 328.8 mg g−1, respectively, at pH 5.5 and at 30 °C. The presence of other ionic species slightly decreased the U(VI) sorption capacity except that in Fe(III) ions. The sorption processes of U(VI) on the algal biomasses were described by the Langmuir and Temkin isotherms and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The thermodynamic parameters, such as ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔG°, show that the process is exothermic and spontaneous. It should be stated that the NTA-modified algal biomass has a high potential for the removal of U(VI) ions from aqueous solution.

Distribution, seasonality and putative origin of the non-native red alga Bangia atropurpurea (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) in the Laurentian Great Lakes

Bangia atropurpurea was first observed in Lake Erie in 1964 and subsequently spread to the lower Laurentian Great Lakes by the mid to late 1970s. The present study was initiated to examine the recent distribution of B. atropurpurea in the Great Lakes, the seasonal variation of the alga and the putative origin of this species based on DNA sequence analysis. From surveys in 1995 and 2002, this species has clearly spread, with newly identified populations observed in Lakes Huron, Michigan, Georgian Bay and the St. Lawrence River. Morphological analyses showed that Great Lakes populations from individual lakes or neighboring populations did not group together in cluster analyses. Correlation analysis, however, revealed significant relationships between the presence or absence of Bangia among the studied sites with pH and specific conductance as those locations that had stable populations had a mean pH and conductance of 8.2 and 353μS·cm−1 respectively. Seasonal variation in morphology of a population from Burlington, Ontario (Lake Ontario, Canada) was examined monthly for one year. Maximum filament length occurred in April, with the greatest diameter and archaeospore production observed in May. Significant correlations were also noted for many morphological characteristics with water temperature, population height on the shoreline relative to the waterline and total phosphorus. Collections of B. atropurpurea analyzed from the Great Lakes were observed to be identical in sequence to collections of European freshwater Bangia in the cox2–3 gene spacer, the nuclear internal transcribed spacers (ITS 1 and 2) and the 5.8S rRNA gene (between the small and large subunits of the rRNA gene). These results suggest a recent European origin; however, further global collections of B. atropurpurea and microsatellite analyses are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.

The Cryptogenic Red Alga <i>Bangia Atropurpurea</i> in Lough Derg, River Shannon, Ireland

The filamentous and euryhaline red alga Bangia atropurpurea (Rhodophyta, Bangiophyceae) is a littleknown member of the Irish aquatic flora. Although a common freshwater species in the northern hemisphere, it seems that the lower Shannon Navigation is one of the principal freshwater localities for the species in Ireland. It was recorded from thirteen sites in Lough Derg in 1972 and in the 2010 survey reported here at 40 sites including islands and navigation buoys as well as on lock gates. It attaches to rocks and other hard surfaces immediately above and below the waterline. It may have been introduced to Lough Derg on the hulls of commercial vessels. Changes in climatic conditions, eutrophication, competition from other filamentous algae and fluctuating lake levels are all pressures that could affect the sustainability of Bangia within the Shannon Navigation. Nevertheless, this study shows that B. atropurpurea has persisted for at least 40 years in Lough Derg and remains widespread despite highly variable environmental conditions.

THE CRYPTOGENIC RED ALGA BANGIA ATROPURPUREA IN LOUGH DERG, RIVER SHANNON, IRELAND

The filamentous and euryhaline red alga Bangia atropurpurea (Rhodophyta, Bangiophyceae) is a little-known member of the Irish aquatic flora. Although a common freshwater species in the northern hemisphere, it seems that the lower Shannon Navigation is one of the principal freshwater localities for the species in Ireland. It was recorded from thirteen sites in Lough Derg in 1972 and in the 2010 survey reported here at 40 sites including islands and navigation buoys as well as on lock gates. It attaches to rocks and other hard surfaces immediately above and below the waterline. It may have been introduced to Lough Derg on the hulls of commercial vessels. Changes in climatic conditions, eutrophication, competition from other filamentous algae and fluctuating lake levels are all pressures that could affect the sustainability of Bangia within the Shannon Navigation. Nevertheless, this study shows that B. atropurpurea has persisted for at least 40 years in Lough Derg and remains widespread despite highly variable environmental conditions.

Stabilization and modulation of the phycobilisome by calcium in the calciphilic freshwater red alga Bangia atropurpurea

The bangiophycean filamentous red alga Bangia atropurpurea is distributed in freshwater habitats such as littoral and splash zones of lakes or rapid currents distant from the sea. In these habitats, the distribution and growth of this alga appear to be related to hard water rich in calcium ions. To characterize the eco-physiological properties of this calciphilic red alga, we examined the effects of long-term and short-term Ca2+ depletion on photosynthetic growth of the thallus and on the phycobilisome. Long-term culture experiments suggested that higher Ca2+ concentrations (>50mgL−1) were required to sustain thallus growth and pigmentation of cells. In short-term Ca2+-depletion treatments, fluorescence derived from phycoerythrin (PE) fluctuated, although the absorption spectra of the thalli did not change. After 30min of Ca2+ depletion, the fluorescence lifetime of PE became markedly longer, indicating that the energy transfer from PE to phycocyanin (PC) was suppressed. The fluorescence lifetime of PE returned to its original value within a short time after 4h of Ca2+ depletion, however, energy transfer from PE to PC was still suppressed. This suggested that the excitation energy absorbed by PE was quenched during prolonged Ca2+ depletion. The efficient energy transfer from PC and allophycocyanin were unchanged during these treatments.

Cell Wall Regeneration in Bangia atropurpurea (Rhodophyta) Protoplasts Observed Using a Mannan-Specific Carbohydrate-Binding Module

The cell wall of the red alga Bangia atropurpurea is composed of three unique polysaccharides (beta-1,4-mannan, beta-1,3-xylan, and porphyran), similar to that in Porphyra. In this study, we visualized beta-mannan in the regenerating cell walls of B. atropurpurea protoplasts by using a fusion protein of a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) and green fluorescent protein (GFP). A mannan-binding family 27 CBM (CBM27) of beta-1,4-mannanase (Man5C) from Vibrio sp. strain MA-138 was fused to GFP, and the resultant fusion protein (GFP-CBM27) was expressed in Escherichia coli. Native affinity gel electrophoresis revealed that GFP-CBM27 maintained its binding ability to soluble beta-mannans, while normal GFP could not bind to beta-mannans. Protoplasts were isolated from the fronds of B. atropurpurea by using three kinds of bacterial enzymes. The GFP-CBM27 was mixed with protoplasts from different growth stages, and the process of cell wall regeneration was observed by fluorescence microscopy. Some protoplasts began to excrete beta-mannan at certain areas of their cell surface after 12 h of culture. As the protoplast culture progressed, beta-mannans were spread on their entire cell surfaces. The percentages of protoplasts bound to GFP-CBM27 were 3%, 12%, 17%, 29%, and 25% after 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 h of culture, respectively. Although GFP-CBM27 bound to cells at the initial growth stages, its binding to the mature fronds was not confirmed definitely. This is the first report on the visualization of beta-mannan in regenerating algal cell walls by using a fluorescence-labeled CBM.

Seasonal changes in an intertidal annual algal assemblage in northern Japan: The role of pre‐emption and grazing on algal replacement

The pattern and process of seasonal changes in an intertidal annual algal assemblage were examined at Hiura, northern Japan. Short‐term field experiments (<2 months’ duration) were set up to quantify the effects of both grazing and pre‐emption on species replacement in the assemblage in three different seasons. An 8‐month field experiment was set up to quantify long‐term effects, including the indirect effects of both grazing and competitive dominance on the community structure. Results suggested that seasonal change in the algal assemblage resulted from the interaction of abiotic environmental change, competition and grazing. The relative contribution of these factors varied within a short period, presumably as a result of seasonal changes in physical environmental stress, free space availability and grazing pressure. From February to March, when grazer density was low and there was much free space available for algae, the dominant species shifted from foliose green alga Monostroma angicava to filamentous red alga Bangia atropurpurea, because B. atropurpurea grew faster than M. angicava. This species replacement was not influenced strongly by biological interaction but by temporal changes in abiotic environmental conditions. From April to mid May, when there was less free space available for algae in the natural community, the dominant B. atropurpurea decreased with increasing foliose red alga Porphyra yezoensis, because only P. yezoensis was able to invade an area pre‐empted by algae. Grazing did not affect this species replacement. After mid May, the two dominant species, P. yezoensis and B. atropurpurea, decreased. Their decline was mainly caused by desiccation stress and was partially affected by grazing.

Living in the intertidal zone - seasonal effects on heterosides and sun-screen compounds in the red alga Bangia atropurpurea (Bangiales).

The seasonal patterns of daylength and ultraviolet radiation (UVB and UVA) at Williamstown, Victoria, Australia were measured (October 1995-May 1996) and are considered in relation to levels of heterosides (soluble sugar compounds: D-isofloridoside, floridoside and L-isofloridoside) and sun-screen compounds (mycosporine-like amino acids: MAAs) in the intertidal red alga Bangia atropurpurea. UVB peaked in December-January at 2.2-2.4 W m(-2) and UVA also peaked at 70 W m(-2) in the same period. Total heteroside concentrations were highest (1230-1900 mmol kg(-1) dry weight) during November-December with floridoside and D-isofloridoside being 90% of the total. In late February through mid-April total heteroside contents were lower (315-905 mmol kg(-1) dry weight) with L-floridoside being as much as 34% of the total indicating a seasonal effect. Total MAAs varied from 3.4 to 7.1 mg g(-1) dry weight (mean 4.9 mg g(-1) dry weight) with both highest and lowest levels occurring in February. Porphyra-334 constituted 83 to 97% of this total with asterina-330, palythine and palythinol being 3-17%. Although maximum MAA concentrations did not show any significant parallel with the peak UV values, the quantitative data point to Bangia cells over the course of the seasons always loaded up with these photoprotective compounds.

ISOLATION AND REGENERATION OF HAPLOID PROTOPLASTS FROM BANGIA ATROPURPUREA (RHODOPHYTA) WITH MARINE BACTERIAL ENZYMES1

ABSTRACTThree kinds of enzymes, agarase, β‐1,4‐mannanase, and β‐1,3‐xylanase, required for isolation of protoplasts from the red alga Bangia atropurpurea (Roth) C. Ag. were prepared from bacterial culture fluids of Vibrio sp. PO‐303, Vibrio sp. MA‐138, and Alcaligenes sp. XY‐234, respectively, isolated from the sea environment. The optimal pH of all enzymes was around 7.5. Suitable conditions for protoplast isolation from B. atropurpurea were examined. The pretreatment of the fronds with pa‐pain solution (20 mM Mes buffer, pH 7.5, containing 2% papain and 0.5 M mannitol) contributed to successful protoplast isolation. When razor‐cut fragments of the fronds (about 200 mg in fresh weight) immersed in 20 mM Mes buffer, 7.5, containing 0.5 M mannitol and one unit each of agarase, β‐1,4‐mannanase, and β‐1,3‐xylanase were incubated at 22°C for 90 min with gentle agitation, 5.7 × 106 protoplasts were released from them. Many protoplasts regenerated into fronds of regular or irregular shape.

Variant forms of a group I intron in nuclear small-subunit rRNA genes of the marine red alga Porphyra spiralis var. amplifolia.

A group IC1 intron occurs in nuclear small-subunit (18S) ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) genes of the marine red alga Porphyra spiralis var. amplifolia. This intron occurs at the same position as the self-splicing group IC1 introns in nuclear SSU rDNAs of the fungus Pneumocystis carinii and in the green alga Chlorella ellipsoidea and shares sequence identity with the Pneumocystis carinii intron in domains L1, P1, P2, and L2, outside the conserved core. Three size variants, differing in amount of sequence in L1, exist and are differentially distributed in geographically distinct populations. Preliminary data suggest that the largest variant can self-splice in vitro. Short open reading frames are present but do not correspond to known genes. Repeated nucleotide motifs, reminiscent of duplicated target sites of transposons or Alu elements, are associated with the intron and with one of the variant forms of L1. Insertions are present in nuclear SSU rDNAs of several other Porphyra species and of the red alga Bangia atropurpurea; insertionless rDNA variants also occur in several Porphyra species. Our observations are most readily explained by intron mobility, although it remains unclear how transfer could have been mediated between genomes of organisms as ecologically diverse as marine red algae, freshwater green algae, and a mammalian-pathogenic fungus.

Light requirements for growth of six shade-acclimated Mediterranean macroalgae

Six mediterranean macroalgae were cultivated for more than 2 yr under shade culture conditions, after which light requirements for growth were investigated at 16±2°C. The saturation light levels for growth in the logarithmic phase were related to the bathymetric distribution of the algae on the shore. The eulittoral to supralittoral red alga Bangia atropurpurea was saturated at a photon fluence rate of 71 μmol photons m-2 s-1, the upper sublittoral to eulittoral brown algae Scytosiphon lomentaria, Colpomenia peregrina and Kuckuckia spinosa and the sublittoral brown alga Stictyosiphon soriferus at 39 to 71 μmol photons m-2 s-1, and the deep-water alga Choristocarpus tenellus at 19 μmol photons m-2 s-1. The minimum light requirements for growth of B. atropurpurea and C. tenellus were determined by observing length increase for 56 d under limiting light conditions. The compensation and minimum irradiances required for growth of B. atropurpurea were 0.5 and 1 μmol photons m-2 s-1 respectively. The corresponding values for C. tenellus were 0.15 to 0.28 and 0.5 μmol photons m-2 s-1 respectively. C. tenellus was the siowest-growing species tested at saturating light conditions, but it grew faster than B. atropurpurea at 1 μmol photons m-2 s-1. Both B. atropurpurea and C. tenellus were able to survive 56 d in darkness, but only the latter grew under darkness in the first 14 d.

COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON THE CELL WALLS OF SEXUAL AND ASEXUAL BANGIA ATROPURPUREA (RHODOPHYTA). I. HISTOCHEMISTRY OF POLYSACCHARIDES1

ABSTRACTA comparative histochemical study of the nature and distribution of acidic and neutral cell wall polysaccharides was conducted on marine sexual and asexual filaments of the red alga Bangia atropurpurea (Roth) C. Ag. Outer and inner walls of this species were clearly partitioned according to staining and transmission electron microscopic characteristics. Neutral polysaccharides were detected in the outer coating (cuticle) but were absent from outer and inner walls of all filaments. Acidic polysaccharides were noted in the outer wall material but not in the inner wall layers of any filaments at any developmental stages. The major staining component of vegetative regions of sexual material and all regions of asexual filaments was a highly sulfated polymer. During sexual reproduction only there was a generalized change in the nature of the acidic component, characterized by a decrease in intensity of staining for sulfates in both male and female filaments and the appearance, in female filaments only, of polysaccharides which presumably were carboxylated. Spermatia attached to both male and female filaments in regions where sexual differentiation was initiated and where changes in the outer wall components commenced.

DISTRIBUTION, SEASONALITY AND REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY OFBANGIA ATROPURPUREA(RHODOPHYTA) IN RHODE ISLAND, U.S.A.1

ABSTRACTForty‐seven sites along the Rhode Island coastline were sampled on a seasonal basis for the presence of the red algaBangia atropurpurea(Roth) C. Ag. This species was found to be widely distributed, occurring at 94% of the hard, stable substrates sampled.Bangiapopulations were most, widespread in the winter (71% of sites) and least frequent in the summer (29% of sites). At one location, three high intertidal populations (average height 101 cm) and three low intertidal populations (average height 14 cm) were sampled monthly for two years. The upper intertidal populations appeared in September and persisted until at least May, whereas the lower populations were ephemeral, appearing for only a few months in late winter. The high intertidal populations were present on 85% of the sampling dates white the lower ones were observed on 25% of the sampling dates. Upper intertidal filaments reproduced exclusively by asexual monospores unlike those of the lower populations which were largely sexual. The maximum diameter of asexual and carpogonial filaments was 120 and 250 nm, respectively. Monosporagenesis was strongly correlated to temperature whereas gametogenesis was strongly correlated to photopriod.

The Red Alga Bangia in Lake Simcoe

In 1980 filaments of the attached red alga Bangia atropurpurea were observed at two relatively remote sites in southwestern Lake Simcoe. This appears to be only the second recorded account of Bangia in a North American freshwater habitat other than the Laurentian Great Lakes. In 1982 Bangia was again noted in Lake Simcoe at the two original sites; however, in 1984 it was recorded at only one of these locations, apparently due to shoreline modification. Bangia probably entered Lake Simcoe via the Trent Canal system which connects Lakes Ontario and Huron.

Occurrence of the Red Alga Bangia atropurpurea in Lake Ontario

DAMANN, KENNETH E. (Dept. Biol. Sci., SUNY Brockport, Brockport, NY 14420). Occurrence of the red alga Bangia atropurpiurea in Lake Ontario. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 106: 43-44. 1979.-In September, 1966, the red alga Bangia atropurpurea (Roth) Ag. was found growing at Hamlin Beach State Park, Hamlin, New York (N. Lat. 430 22'). This is believed to be the first recorded collection from Lake Ontario. Further observations in 1977 extenlded the range of B. atropurpurea to all shores of Lake Ontario. Bangia 's distribution was restricted to a narrow zone of 7 to 15 cm adjacent to the upper limits of the Cladophora zonie of growth.

THE ALGAL COMMUNITIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN PART OF THE SALTMARSH “DE MOK” ON TEXEL (THE NETHERLANDS)

SUMMARY For more than a year, the algal vegetation of a particular part of the saltmarsh “De Mok” was studied, by means of permanent quadrats. Three communities of surface algae were distinguished: the Vaucheria subsimplex/Enteromorpha prolifera/Microcoleus community, the Vaucheria coronata/ Enteromorpha prolifera/Microcoleus community and the Vaucheria coronatal Rhizoclonium/Microcoleus community. Each of these occupied a consecutive zone, from low to high, in the marsh and had a number of characteristic species, for some of which a significant correlation to higher or lower situated permanent quadrats could be shown. A Blidingia minima community, epiphytic on Salicornia stems, with the red alga Bangia atropurpurea as a characteristic species, was intermingled with the Enteromorpha prolifera unit of the first community during a part of the year.