Publications by authors named "M D Piercey-Normore"
Background: Pseudochlorella pringsheimii (Ppr) is a green unicellular alga rich with chlorophyll, carotenoids, and antioxidants. As a widespread organism, Ppr must face, and adapt to, many environmental stresses and these are becoming more frequent and more extreme under the conditions of climate change. We therefore focused on salinity induced by NaCl and iron (Fe) variation stresses, which are commonly encountered by algae in their natural environment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHydrogen peroxide (HO) is an environmentally-safe algaecide used to control harmful algal blooms and as a disinfectant in various domestic and industrial applications. It is produced naturally in sunny-water or as a by-product during growth, and metabolism of photosynthetic organisms. To assess the impact of HO on Arthrospira platensis, several biochemical components, and antioxidant enzymes were analysed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAlgae are always facing the challenge of exposure to different stress conditions, therefore raising challenges of adaptation for survival. In this context, the growth and the antioxidant enzymes of the green stress-tolerant alga Pseudochlorella pringsheimii were investigated under two environmental stresses viz. iron and salinity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Recent findings in Québec and Newfoundland & Labrador revealed white chanterelles (Cantharellus enelensis), characterized by the absence of orange pigments and a distinct apricot-like odor.
- Phylogenetic analyses confirmed these white chanterelles as a new form, named forma acolodorus, which lack detectable β-carotene, unlike typical golden-orange chanterelles.
- Genetic analysis showed mutations in two specific genes, phytoene desaturase and phytoene synthase, which may be responsible for the loss of β-carotene synthesis in these white mutant chanterelles.
Article Synopsis
- Landscape genetics merges population genetics and landscape ecology to understand how landscape features impact the dispersal of species, particularly in the case of the lichen Dermatocarpon luridum.
- This study focused on the lichen's photobiont, Diplosphaera chodatii, analyzing its genetic distribution in Payuk Lake to uncover dispersal mechanisms using spatial models based on topography and hydrology.
- Results indicated genetic variation aligned with the lake's landscape characteristics and suggested that dispersal may occur via wind and/or water, marking a pioneering effort to explore dispersal in semi-aquatic lichens and aiding conservation efforts for threatened lichen species.