Identification of Dunaliella Viridis Using ITS Markers

The phylogenetic position and taxonomic status of the green alga Dunaliella viridis was investigated based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) markers. The alga was isolated from saltern in Vinh Hao, Binh Thuan province, Vietnam. Independent phylogenetic trees of ITS1 and ITS2 sequences revealed that the alga belongs to the clade of Dunaliella viridis. The salinity for optimal growth of the alga was 2M NaCl, which was much lower than the original sampling site (4M NaCl). This tolerance to a wide range of salinity may provide distinct advantages to Dunaliella viridis over its competitors in natural environments. Further physiological and biochemical characteristics of this strain will need to be investigated in order to assess its potential for algal biomass production and other applications such as beta-carotene, carbohydrate, lipid and protein for feed, food, aquaculture and biofuels, including opening new search for other Dunaliella species