High salinity alters chloroplast morpho‐physiology in a freshwater Kirchneriella species (Selenastraceae) from Ethiopian Lake Awasa

摘要: Plants differ in their ability to tolerate salt stress. In aquatic ecosystems, it is important know the responses of microalgae increased salinity levels, especially considering that global warming will increase levels some regions Earth, e.g., Ethiopia. A green microalga, Kirchneriella sp. (Selenastraceae, Chlorophyta), isolated from freshwater Lake Awasa Rift Valley, Ethiopia, was cultured media amended with 0, 0.4, 1.9, 5.9, and 19.4 g NaCl·L(-1) adjusted NaCl five NaCl. Growth monitored for 3 mo, then samples were collected photosynthetic pigment determinations, microspectrofluorimetric analyses, micro- submicroscopic examinations. The best growth found at 1.9 NaCl·L(-1). chloroplast, excess affected coupling light harvesting complex II photosystem (LHCII-PSII), but changes thylakoid architecture PSII assembly state allowed sufficient integrity membrane. mucilaginous capsule around cell probably provided partial protection against excess. On whole, microalga able acclimate a range concentrations, this plasticity indicates may survive future water quality.