Effect of thallus melanisation on the sensitivity of lichens to heat stress
- Author:
- Chowaniec K., Latkowska E. & Skubała K.
- Year:
- 2023
- Journal:
- Scientific Reports
- Pages:
- 13: 5083 [14 p.]
- Url:
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-32215-1
Extreme climatic phenomena such as heat waves, heavy rainfall and prolonged droughts are one of
the main problems associated with ongoing climate change. The global increase in extreme rainfalls
associated with summer heatwaves are projected to increase in amplitude and frequency in the
near future. However, the consequences of such extreme events on lichens are largely unknown.
The aim was to determine the efect of heat stress on the physiology of lichen Cetraria aculeata in
a metabolically active state and to verify whether strongly melanised thalli are more resistant than
poorly melanised thalli. In the present study, melanin was extracted from C. aculeata for the frst
time. Our study showed that the critical temperature for metabolism is around 35 °C. Both symbiotic
partners responded to heat stress, manifested by the decreased maximum quantum yield of PSII
photochemistry, high level of cell membrane damage, increased membrane lipid peroxidation and
decreased dehydrogenase activity. Highly melanised thalli were more sensitive to heat stress, which
excludes the role of melanins as compounds protecting against heat stress. Therefore, mycobiont
melanisation imposes a trade-of between protection against UV and avoidance of damage caused by
high temperature. It can be concluded that heavy rainfall during high temperatures may signifcantly
deteriorate the physiological condition of melanised thalli. However, the level of membrane lipid
peroxidation in melanised thalli decreased over time after exposure, suggesting greater efciency
of antioxidant defence mechanisms. Given the ongoing climate changes, many lichen species may
require a great deal of plasticity to maintain their physiological state at a level that ensures their
survival.
- Id:
- 35494
- Submitter:
- zpalice
- Post_time:
- Monday, 12 June 2023 00:03