Species Of Red Algae Research Articles

Diploid Apogamy in Red Algal Species of the Genus Pyropia

Diploid Apogamy in Red Algal Species of the Genus Pyropia

Diploid Apogamy in Red Algal Species of the Genus Pyropia

Diploid Apogamy in Red Algal Species of the Genus Pyropia

Diploid Apogamy in Red Algal Species of the Genus Pyropia

Diploid Apogamy in Red Algal Species of the Genus Pyropia

The complete plastid genome and phylogenetic analysis of Gracilaria spinulosa

Gracilaria spinulosa is an economical species of marine red algae. The length of its plastid genome sequence is 179,082 bp; a total of 236 genes were determined, including 203 protein-encoding genes, 3 rRNA genes, 29 tRNA genes, 1 ribonuclease gene, and 1 intron inserted into the trnM gene. The gene content and structure of Gracilariaceae species were relatively well conserved. Phylogenetic analysis showed that G. spinulosa had a closer relationship with Gracilaria salicornia in Gracilaria. The complete plastid genome sequence provided will help the understanding of Gracilaria evolution.

Bio- Active Properties of Selected Brown, Green and Red Algae species Collected from Egypt

Algae are an important source of secondary metabolites and several compounds that have a wide range of bioactivities. However, algae of the Red sea have not been adequately explored for their potential as a source of bioactive substances. In this study, Caulerpa sp., Chondria sp., Galaxaura sp., Turbinaria sp. and cystoseira sp., collected from Red sea, Egypt, were screened for their potential bioactivity. Algal extracts were prepared using Ethanol/Dichloromethane (1:1) solvent. It was found that the crude extract of Caulerpa sp. showed the highest antibacterial and anti-yeast activity among all tested extracts. It could be concluded that the Red Sea marine environment of Egypt has a potential to introduce pharmaceutically useful seaweeds as a great candidate for further investigations towards drug development, however further deep investigations are requested.

Complete plastid genome of Kappaphycus alvarezii: insights of large-scale rearrangements among Florideophyceae plastid genomes

Kappaphycus alvarezii is a large commercial tropical marine red alga. In this study we used next-generation sequencing to determine the complete plastid genome of K. alvarezii. The plastid genome mapped a 178,205-bp circular DNA molecule with a GC content of 29.6%, without any inverted repeat region, and encoded a standard set of 202 protein-coding genes, including 4 open reading frames, 30 transfer RNA genes, 3 ribosomal RNA genes, and 1 transfer-messenger RNA gene. Only one group II intron interrupting the trnMe gene was detected. Comparative analysis of the seven plastid genomes from three orders including Gigartinales, Gracilariales, and Peyssonneliales revealed that the genomes were more conserved except five remarkable gene rearrangements. However, an approximately 12.5-kb gene fragment from the psaM to ycf21 gene in K. alvarezii plastid genome was completely reversed compared to that in published plastid genomes from the Florideophyceae. To our knowledge, the gene rearrangement was identified for the first time in the plastid genomes of red algal species. In addition, phylogenetic analysis of 49 Florideophyceae species based on 144 shared protein-coding genes suggested that different species from the same class clustered together according to their sources: three species of Gigartinales formed one group as the subbranch of Florideophyceae, but K. alvarezii was the most closely related to Riquetophycus sp. from the Peyssonneliales.

Evaluation of the metal content of farm grown Gracilaria tikvahiae and Saccharina latissima from Long Island Sound and New York Estuaries

In the US, seaweed aquaculture is still a developing industry. Since a significant number of seaweed farms are located in urbanized estuaries, cultured seaweeds could accumulate contaminants such as heavy metals. A warm temperate red algal species, Gracilaria tikvahiae and a cold-water brown algal species, Saccharina latissima were cultivated at three sites in Long Island Sound (LIS) and New York (NY) estuaries to biomonitor potentially toxic metals. Metal concentrations were below almost all national and international regulatory limits for human consumption. For example, the highest measured concentrations of Hg in tissue samples of G. tikvahiae and S. latissima are 88–93% less than the limit set by the Food and Drug Administration of the USA. Concentration maxima of Cd in G. tikvahiae and S. latissima were 20% and 32%, respectively, lower than stringent French limits. Maximum levels of Pb in tissue samples of G. tikvahiae (but not S. latissima) were close to the French limits at the NY estuary site. These results indicate generally that heavy metal contents of seaweeds cultivated urbanized estuaries should be monitored since accumulation appears to be site-dependent. The great capacity for the accumulation of nitrogen and other nutrients in seaweed tissues, improving water quality, is also accompanied by the uptake of other, less desirable materials.

Photo-protective compounds in red macroalgae from Brittany: Considerable diversity in mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs)

To cope with the biotic and abiotic stresses experienced within their environment, marine macroalgae have developed certain defence mechanisms including the synthesis of photo-protective molecules against light and particularly harmful UV radiation. The aim of this study was to screen selected red algae, a highly diverse phylogenetic group, for the production of photo-protective molecules. The pigment content and composition (i.e. chlorophyll-a, phycobiliproteins and carotenoids) and the composition of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) were studied in 40 species of red macroalgae collected in Brittany (France), at two distinct periods (i.e. February and July 2017). A high inter-specific variability was demonstrated in terms of pigment content and MAA composition. Twenty-three potential MAAs were detected by HPLC, and six were identified by LC-MS (i.e. shinorine, palythine, asterina-330, porphyra-334, usurijene and palythene). This is the first study to report on the composition of pigments and MAAs in a diverse group of red seaweeds from Brittany, including some species for which the MAA composition has never been studied before. Nevertheless, the results suggested that some species of red algae are more likely to cope with high levels of light radiation since those species such as Bostrychia scorpioides, Porphyra dioica, Gracilaria vermiculophylla and Vertebrata lanosa are living in environments exposed to higher levels of irradiation, and had various MAAs in addition to their photo-protective pigments.

Biodiversity and Potential Use of Macro Algae in Pesisir Barat Lampung

Pesisir Barat Regency in Lampung has abundant marine biological wealth that has not been widely known and utilized by the community, one of them is macro algae. The objectives of the research were to identify the types of macro algae and to explains the potential use of macro algae in the Pesisir Barat Lampung Region. The study used cruise method. The findings were identified by experts to validate the results of classification, morphology, and qualitative studies regarding the potential use and benefits of macro algae. From the results of this study, 15 species of macro algae were found on Tanjung Setia Beach included; 3 species of green algae (Chlorophyta) consist of Halimeda opuntia L., Caulerpa racemosa F., Ulva lactuca L .; 7 species of brown algae (Phaeophyta) consist of Padina pavonica L., Padina australis H., Sargassum vulgare C.A., Sargassum polycystum C.A., Turbinaria ornata J.A., Turbinaria ornata J.A., Fucus vesiculosus L.; and 5 species of red algae (Rhodophyta), consist of Corallina officinalis L., Gigartina pistilla S., Gigartina disticha S., Gracilaria verrucosa, H., Rhodymenia pseudopalmat J.V.L.The benefits of this research for society to provide insight into the potential use of macro algae which can be utilized in many fields. For students, provide information on the biodiversity of macro algae in the sea.

Diversity and structure of epibenthic communities of the red algae zone in the White Sea

At high latitudes, the marine transitional zone between the highly productive kelp communities and the devoid of vegetation deep-waters is occupied mainly by number of red algae species, both encrusting and cespitose, which associate with rich and diverse fauna. However, zoologists and botanists never scrutinized these communities in equal manner up to present. We investigated the transition red algae zone in the White Sea in summer 2016 and 2017 using scuba equipment. The photic depth is limited to 18–23 m at different locations. Sessile species prevail among 315 epibenthic organisms in species number ( ~ 80%) and biomass ( ~ 90%). Communities of the red algae zone are rich in species (from 54 to 177). The most distinct differences were observed between the communities of Kandalaksha and Onega Bays. Vertical heterogeneity of the red algae zone was revealed; at most locations, Rhodophyta predominate in the upper subzone and Cirripedia predominate in the lower parts of the red algae zone. At the investigated depths, shallow-water and deep-water sets of species were defined. Interspecific spatial interactions between sessile organisms are revealed: 72.2 ± 3.5% of them were recorded as epibionts, and 29.1 ± 2.5% were registered as basibionts. These interactions provide evidence of the increase of species diversity: 32.7 ± 6.8% of sessile taxa were recorded exclusively as epibionts. Algae Phycodrys rubens, Odonthalia dentata, and Coccotylus truncatus, ascidian Styela rustica, barnacles Balanus crenatus, Verruca stroemia, and polychaete Pista maculata are foundation species, each supporting multi-level suites (up to four levels) of dependent species.

DNA barcoding of the marine macroalgae from Nome, Alaska (Northern Bering Sea) reveals many trans-Arctic species

Marine macroalgal species are expected to shift northward with temperature regimes in the wake of climate change. Monitoring ecosystem shifts in the Arctic will depend on accurate and consistent species level datasets from key locations. The Northern Bering Sea is an area with limited sampling, and will be critical to monitoring the potential movement of Pacific species into the Arctic. We therefore sampled the marine flora of Nome, Alaska, and surrounding area, August 12–22 (2017). Specimens were pressed and/or preserved in silica for DNA barcoding procedures. Several genetic markers were sequenced including the 5′ end of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI-5P; n = 551), elongation factor Tu (tufA; n = 41), full length reads of the internal transcribed spacer of the ribosomal cistron (ITS; n = 56), and full or partial reads of the ribulose-1, 5-biphosphate carboxylase large subunit (rbcL or rbcL-3P, respectively; n = 24). These collections represented eight species of green algae, 21 species of brown algae, and 24 species of red algae. Most of the species sampled (66%, n = 35) represented trans-Arctic species, 17% (n = 9) represented species with distributions restricted to the Pacific, 8% (n = 4) represented species restricted to the Arctic, and the remaining 9% (n = 5) represented previously unsampled genetic groups. Our survey revealed that the marine flora of Nome, Alaska, is largely contiguous with the North-west Atlantic. Repeated sampling from Nome and other key locations in the Northern Bering Sea (e.g., St. Lawrence Island) will be critical to further establishing baseline data for monitoring ecosystem shifts in an era of climate change.

Chemical profiling of mycosporine-like amino acids in twenty-three red algal species.

Rhodophyta produce a variety of chemically different mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs), compounds that are known as some of the strongest ultraviolet (UV) absorbing molecules in nature. Accordingly, they primarily act as photoprotectants against harmful levels of solar ultraviolet radiation in the UV‐A and UV‐B range. In order to get a deeper understanding of the chemical diversity of MAAs in red algae, pure standards of eleven mycosporine‐like amino acids were isolated from three different species (Agarophyton chilense, Pyropia plicata and Champia novae‐zelandiae) using various chromatographic methods. Their structures were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Four out of the eleven MAAs are reported for the first time in algae. In addition, a new high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the separation of all isolated MAAs and successfully applied for the analysis of twenty‐three red algal species of marine origin. All of them contained MAAs, the most abundant compounds were shinorine, palythine, asterina‐330 and porphyra‐334. For some samples, the direct assignment of MAAs based on their UV spectra was not possible; therefore, the target analytes were enriched by a simple concentration step, followed by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis of the extracts. This approach enabled a deeper insight into the MAA pattern of red algae, indicating that not only the four dominant ones are synthesized but also many others, which were often described as unknown compounds in previous studies.

Metals accumulation in edible marine algae collected from Thondi coast of Palk Bay, Southeastern India

This study aimed to monitor the concentrations of metals including Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in commercially important and commonly edible brown, red and green algal species collected from Thondi coast, southeast India. Green seaweed Chaetomorpha linum contained higher (Cd 8.51 mg kg−1, Pb 5.24 mg kg−1, Cu 15.38 mg kg−1, and Zn 22.34 mg kg−1) concentrations of metals than other tested seaweed samples. The concentrations of metals significantly varied within and between the investigated species of seaweed samples (P < 0.05). It was revealed that Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn metals were present in the species of seaweeds at different concentration. The residual levels of metals were less than the maximum allowable levels specified for human consumption compared to PTWIs, JECFA, FAO/WHO, FSSAI and EC. This study suggested that exposure to the analysed metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) through seaweeds consumption does not raise serious health effects to consumers and it is safe for human consumption.

Vegetation of the red algal belt of the White Sea (European Arctic, Russia)

In 2016–2018, during the summer period, the first detail studies of the red algal belt of the White Sea were carried out time with SCUBA diving at the Chupa Inlet, near the Cape Kartesh, and at the Kolvitsa Inlet (the Kandalaksha Bay), in the vicinity of Sonostrov Island (the White Sea Basin) and Bolshoy Zhuzhmuy Island (the Onega Bay). The upper boundary of the red algal belt lies at a depth of about 7 m, and the lower boundary, at a depth of about 20 m. In the White Sea, the algae distribution in the lower part of the photic zone depends on the geomorphological structure of the bottom and on the composition of the accompanying sedentary fauna, so the lower boundary may vary in the depth range from 14 down to 23 m. In total, 87 species of algae belonging to the three large taxonomic groups have been registered: Chlorophyta (13), Phaeophyceae (33), and Rhodophyta (41). Significant richness of the species composition, vertical zoning, and a variety of phytocoenoses of the red algal belt in different parts of the White Sea have been found. Phytocoenoses of the red algal belt refer to three associations: ass. Odonthalia dentata(–Pseudolithoderma extensum), ass. Phycodrys rubens+Coccotylus truncatus(–Pseudolithoderma extensum), and ass. Lithothamnion glaciale. Nineteen species of macrophytes were the most common and characteristic representatives of the red algal belt, including thirteen species of red algae, four species of brown algae, and two species of green algae. It has been found that abundant and characteristic species of the red algal belt have an additional edificatory function in the studied phytocoenoses, being the consorts that carry rich epiflora and form favorable conditions for increasing the species diversity of algae in the lower phytal zone. The observed rapid shrinkage of the depth range of the kelp and red algal belts, as well as the changes in the vertical distribution of some other algal species in the White Sea, require specific attention concerning altering of their habitat conditions.

Middle Miocene carbonate facies with rhodoliths from the NW Transylvanian Basin (Vălenii Șomcutei Cave, Romania)

The middle Miocene carbonates from the NW part of the Transylvanian Basin are represented mainly by rhodalgal facies. This paper provides an accurate taxonomic account of the red algal assemblages, facies analysis, and paleoenvironmental interpretation of the Badenian deposits outcropping in Vălenii Șomcutei area. A total of 13 red algal species belonging to the orders Corallinales, Hapalidiales, Sporolithales, and Peyssonneliales have been identified. The microfacies distinguished in the succession (bio-extraclastic grainstone, oolitic packstone/grainstone, bio-extraclastic packstone/grainstone, rhodolith rudstone, coralline algal rudstone, and coralline algal debris grainstone) suggest a general shallowing-upward succession, from an open-marine middle-outer ramp setting to an inner-ramp environment.

Beach-cast as biofertiliser in the Baltic Sea region-potential limitations due to cadmium-content

Macroalgal mass blooms and accumulating beach-cast are increasing problems in many coastal areas. However, beach-cast is also a potentially valuable marine bioresource, e.g. as a biofertiliser in coastal agriculture. One limiting factor in use of beach-cast as a fertiliser is uncertainty regarding the cadmium (Cd) concentration depending on beach-cast composition and location. In this study, chemical analyses were performed on beach-cast from Burgsviken Bay off Gotland, in the Baltic Sea. The results revealed large variations in cadmium concentration depending on sampling location and beach-cast composition, with levels ranging between 0.13 and 2.2 mg Cd/kg dry matter (DM). Of 15 beach-cast samples analysed, one had a cadmium content above the Swedish statutory limit for sewage sludge biofertiliser (2 mg Cd/kg DM) and four had values above the limit suggested by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency for 2030 (0.8 mg/kg DM). Species-specific analysis revealed that eelgrass (Zostera marina) contained significantly higher cadmium concentrations than filamentous red algae species (Ceramium and Polysiphonia spp.). Avoiding eelgrass-rich beach-cast by seasonal timing of harvesting and monitoring differences in cadmium concentrations between harvesting sites could thus facilitate use of beach-cast as biofertiliser.

Extraction and quantification of phycobiliproteins from the red alga Furcellaria lumbricalis

Phycobiliproteins are natural additives in food industry and essential fluorescent probes in biotechnology. Various algal species may be suitable for their extraction, therefore, it is important to study different seaweeds to determine the highest-yielding species. Furcellaria lumbricalis, a red algal species primarily harvested from Canadian, Danish and Estonian waters, has been utilized for merely furcellaran extraction in Estonia on a commercial scale for over 50 years. To further valorize the bioresource it is vital to study whether additional products, such as phycobiliproteins, can be extracted. In the given study, optimal phycobiliprotein extraction conditions from F. lumbricalis were determined for the first time. For quantification, a novel high-pressure liquid chromatography method with fluorescence and photodiode array detection was developed. Considering R-phycoerythrin, citrate pH 6 buffer gave the highest yields (0.13% using fluorescence detector and 0.43% using photodiode array detector) after an extraction for 24 h at 20 °C. Different enzymes (cellulases, xylanases, galactosidases) and their combinations, lowering the extraction temperature or ultrasonication increased the yield further. In addition, red-coloured low-molecular fraction (with similar absorption characteristics to R-phycoerythrin) was separated. For allophycocyanin phosphate pH 6 buffer gave slightly higher yield (0.09% using fluorescence detector and 0.12% using photodiode array detector), compared to citrate or acetate buffer at the same pH. However, the tested enzyme combination, temperature variation and ultrasonication were not so advantageous for allophyocyanin recovery. The phycocyanin concentration from the red algae was below the limit of detection.

Comparative Prediction of Red Alga Biosorbent Performance in Dye Removal using Multivariate Models of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN)

Red algae species, Euchema Spinosum (ES) in Malaysia possesses excellent biosorbent properties in removing dyes from aqueous solutions. In the present study, the experimental design for the biosorption process was carried out via response surface methodology (RSM-CCD). A total of 20 runs were carried out to generate a quadratic model and further analysed for optimisation. Prior to the evaluation, the characterisation study of the ES was performed. It was observed that the maximum uptake capacity of 399 mg/g (&gt;95%) is obtained at equilibrium time of 60 min, pH solution of 6.9-7.1, dosage of 0.72 g/L and initial dye concentration of 300 g/L through statistical optimisation (CCD-RSM) based on the desirability function. It is demonstrated in the present study that the ANN model (R2=0.9994, adj-R2=0.9916, MSE=0.19, RMSE=0.4391, MAPE=0.087 and AARE=0.001) is able to provide a slightly better prediction in comparison to the RSM model (R2= 0.9992, adj-R2= 0.9841, MSE=1.95, RMSE=1.395, MAPE=0.08 and AARE=0.001). Moreover, the SEM-EDX analysis indicates the development of a considerable number of pore size ranging between 132 to 175 mm. From the experimental observations, it is evident that the ES can achieve high removal rate (&gt;95%), indeed become a promising eco-friendly biosorptive material for MB dye removal.

Removal of Methylene Blue by Red Macro Alga Euchema Spinosum Sp.: Pretreatment and Desorption Assessment

Red algae species, Euchema Spinosum (ES) in Malaysia possesses excellent biosorbent properties in removing dyes from aqueous solutions. Studies had been made on the effect of pretreatment and reusability of this species as a biosorbent for economic viability. In the present study, physical and chemical pretreatments processes were employed on the ES. Desorption using seven different eluents (hydrochloric acid (HCl), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), phosphoric acid (H3PO4), potassium hydroxide (KOH), sodium chloride (NaCl), nitric acid (HNO3 and deionized water). Caharacterization of ES biosorbent was conducted using FTIR to investigate the active functional group responsible in the biosorption process. It was observed that the pretreatment process does not enhance the uptake capacity of ES. Among of the six eluents used, it is suggested HNO3 as an effective eluent with 51% desorption efficiency. Through regeneration study, HNO3 as eluent can promote four times of biosorption-desorption cycles. FTIR confirm the functional groups such as –OH, –NH and –COO- are responsible for the MB dye biosorption. The experiment displays that the ES does not require any pretreatment procedure to improve biosorption efficiency and has the capability of regeneration hence suggesting that ES is indeed an economical biosorptive material for MB dye removal.

Phylogenomics and multigene phylogenies decipher two new cryptic marine algae from California, Gelidium gabrielsonii and G.kathyanniae (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta).

Molecular surveys are leading to the discovery of many new cryptic species of marine algae. This is particularly true for red algal intertidal species, which exhibit a high degree of morphological convergence. DNA sequencing of recent collections of Gelidium along the coast of California, USA, identified two morphologically similar entities that differed in DNA sequence from existing species. To characterize the two new species of Gelidium and to determine their evolutionary relationships to other known taxa, phylogenomic, multigene analyses, and morphological observations were performed. Three complete mitogenomes and five plastid genomes were deciphered, including those from the new species candidates and the type materials of two closely related congeners. The mitogenomes contained 45 genes and had similar lengths (24,963-24,964bp). The plastid genomes contained 232 genes and were roughly similar in size (175,499-177,099bp). The organellar genomes showed a high level of gene synteny. The two Gelidium species are diminutive, turf-forming, and superficially resemble several long established species from the Pacific Ocean. The phylogenomic analysis, multigene phylogeny, and morphological evidence confirms the recognition and naming of two new species, describe herein as G.gabrielsonii and G.kathyanniae. On the basis of the monophyly of G.coulteri, G.gabrielsonii, G.galapagense, and G.kathyanniae, we suggest that this lineage likely evolved in California. Organellar genomes provide a powerful tool for discovering cryptic intertidal species and they continue to improve our understanding of the evolutionary biology of red algae and the systematics of the Gelidiales.