Identification and ecophysiology of coccoid green algae dominating in ice-covered lakes on James Ross Island (NE Antarctic Peninsula)

The aim of this study was to assess the phylogenetic relationships, morphological and ecophysiological characteristics of three strains of coccoid green algae from Antarctica. The strains A and B are planktonic algae dominating in ice-covered lakes on James Ross Island (NE Antarctic Peninsula). The third strain (Ankistrodesmus antarcticus CCAP 202/25) was originally isolated from green ice from the Balleny Islands (Ross Dependency) and its description has been based only on morphological features. According to the phylogenetic analyses of 18S rDNA, ITS2 secondary structure and cell morphology, the strains A and B belong to one species of the genus Monoraphidium (Chlorophyta, Sphaeropleales, Selenastraceae) that should be described as new in the future. It is the first evidence that coccoid green algae are capable to become the dominant primary producer in the extreme environment of Antarctic lakes with extensive ice-cover. The strain CCAP 202/25 is closely related to Monoraphidium griffithii (type species of the genus Monoraphidium) suggesting its incorrect classification. All the strains were able to grow in a wide temperature gradient: 1-20 řC (A and B) and 1-30 řC (CCAP 202/25). Low light requirements reflected their original habitat. Together with relatively high growth rates and high content..