Galdieria sulphuraria

Edit links
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Galdieria sulphuraria
Scientific classification Edit this classification
(unranked): Archaeplastida
Division: Rhodophyta
Class: Cyanidiophyceae
Order:
Cyanidiales
Family: Galdieriaceae
Genus: Galdieria
Species:
G. sulphuraria
Binomial name
Galdieria sulphuraria
Merola et al., 1981[1]

Galdieria sulphuraria is an

thermoacidophilic adaptations derive from horizontal gene transfer from archaea and bacteria, another rarity among eukaryotes.[3]

History and taxonomy

Published descriptions of thermoacidophilic unicellular algae date to the mid-19th century. The earliest description of an organism corresponding to the modern G. sulphuraria was published in 1899 by an Italian scientist, A. Galdieri, who gave it the name Pleurococcus sulphurarius. The

genus Galdieria and gave the organism its modern designation.[1][4] G. sulphuraria is the type species for this genus.[1][2]

The group to which G. sulphuraria belongs, the

rhodophyta (red algae), meaning they were the earliest to diverge in the evolutionary history of this group.[5]

Metabolism

G. sulphuraria is noted for its extreme

heterotrophically on a wide variety of carbon sources, including diverse carbohydrates. Over 50 different carbon sources that support growth have been reported.[6][7][8] Careful measurements of its growth patterns under laboratory conditions suggest that it is not a true mixotroph capable of using both energy sources at the same time; rather, it prefers heterotrophic growth conditions and downregulates photosynthesis after extended exposure to extracellular carbon sources.[9] Analysis of the G. sulphuraria photosystem I complex, a key photosynthetic component, suggests a structure intermediate between the homologous complexes in cyanobacteria and plants.[8]

Although most red algae use

molecular weight. These properties are believed to be metabolic adaptations to extreme environmental conditions, although the precise mechanism is unclear.[10]

Habitat and ecology

G. sulphuraria is unusual for a

endolithic ecosystems, where light is scarce and its heterotrophic metabolic capacities are particularly important.[13][14][15] Laboratory tests indicate that it is capable of actively acidifying its environment.[9]

Genome

The G. sulphuraria genome contains evidence of extensive horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from thermoacidophilic archaea and bacteria, explaining the origin of its adaptation to this environment. At least 5% of its proteome is likely to be derived from HGT.[3] This is highly unusual for a eukaryote; relatively few well-substantiated examples exist of HGT from prokaryotes to eukaryotes.[16]

The genome of its

Cyanidioschyzon merolae โ€“ a unicellular thermoacidophilic red alga that is obligately photoautotrophic โ€“ the G. sulphuraria genome contains a large number of genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism and cross-membrane transport.[18]

Biotechnology

Because of its ability to tolerate extreme environments and grow under a wide variety of conditions, G. sulphuraria has been considered for use in

rare-earth metals,[20] and remove phosphorus and nitrogen[21]
from various waste streams.

It is also an interesting source of proteins and especially phycocianin. The phycocianin produced by this specie is interesting since it is thermoresistant and acidotestant, two interesting properties for food application.

References

  1. ^
    doi:10.1080/11263508109428026
    .
  2. ^ a b Guiry, M.D.; Guiry, G.M. "Galdieria sulphuraria". AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway.
  3. ^
    S2CID 5502148
    .
  4. S2CID 11634959
    .
  5. S2CID 27377549
    .
  6. S2CID 35848466
    .
  7. PMID 17698881
    .
  8. ^
    PMID 19007746
    .
  9. ^
    PMID 17587234
    .
  10. PMID 27107958
    .
  11. S2CID 529873
    .
  12. PMID 17241903
    .
  13. doi:10.1080/09670269810001736503
    .
  14. doi:10.1111/j.1438-8677.1999.tb00282.x
    .
  15. S2CID 4408407
    .
  16. S2CID 3809570
    .
  17. PMID 25552531
    .
  18. PMID 15710685
    .
  19. PMID 27118429
    .
  20. S2CID 253774729
    .
  21. PMID 24582952
    .

External links
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Galdieria_sulphuraria&oldid=1161120784"