The Role of Photosynthetic Pigments in Mitigating Thermal Stress in Presence of Sodium Sulfide in Mesophilic Cyanobacterium Westiellopsis Prolifica

Abstract

Thermophilic cyanabacteria thrive in sulphidic environments, such as hot water springs containing sulfide. The presence of sulfide positively affects the growth of bacteria and cyanobacteria. However, temperature stress impedes the photosynthetic system in mesophilic cyanobacteria, leading to oxidative damage, decreased efficiency, and cellular metabolism changes. Photosynthetic pigments like carotenoids and chlorophylls are crucial for cyanobacteria survival under heat stress and potential adaptation mechanisms may be employed to maintain photosynthetic activity. The growth of cyanobacterial cultures depends upon the amount of photosynthetic pigments during thermal stress. The current study sought to investigate if mesophilic cyanocateria can withstand high temperatures in the presence of sulphide. This study investigates the role of these pigments. Thus, amounts of Chl a, carotenoids and phycobiliproteins in the test organisms under thermal stress and in presence of sulphide were determined.