Dynamic Photophysiological Stress Response of a Model Diatom to Ten Environmental Stresses

Stressful environmental conditions can induce many different acclimation mechanisms in marine phytoplankton, resulting in a range of changes in their photophysiology. Here we characterize the common photophysiological stress response of the model diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana to ten environmental stressors and identify diagnostic responses to particular stressors. We quantify the magnitude and temporal trajectory of physiological parameters including the functional absorption cross-section of PSII (sigma(PSII)), quantum efficiency of PSII, non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), cell volume, Chl a, and carotenoid (Car) content in response to nutrient starvation (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), silicon (Si), and iron (Fe)), changes in temperature, irradiance, pH, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) over 5 time points (0, 2, 6, 24, 72 h). We find changes in conditions: temperature, irradiance, and ROS, often result in the most rapid changes in photophysiological parameters (<2 h), and in some cases are followed by recovery. In contrast, nutrient starvation (N, P, Si, Fe) often has slower (6-72 h) but ultimately larger magnitude effects on many photophysiological parameters. Diagnostic changes include large increases in cell volume under Si-starvation, very large increases in NPQ under P-starvation, and large decreases in the sigma(PSII) under high light. The ultimate goal of this analysis is to facilitate and enhance the interpretation of fluorescence data and our understanding of phytoplankton photophysiology from laboratory and field studies.

Automated summary

Stressful environmental conditions induce various acclimation mechanisms in marine phytoplankton, leading to changes in their photophysiology. Changes in temperature, irradiance, and ROS often result in rapid photophysiological responses (<2 h), while nutrient starvation leads to slower but larger effects (6-72 h). This study aims to facilitate the interpretation of fluorescence data to enhance our understanding of phytoplankton photophysiology.