Antarctic Algae – a Model System for Oxidative Stress Resistance

A considerable reduction in stratospheric ozone concentration above different latitudes due to the increased ultraviolet-B radiation has been reported by NASA experts. The enhanced ultraviolet radiation affects major metabolic processes in living organisms and causes damages to many organic molecules including DNA. Deep understanding of ultraviolet-B rays impact on plants and animals, is a matter of topical significance and is considered to be a wide field for biodiversity and environmental protection investigations. The resistance of algae is connected with the efficiency of their repair system and the stability of cell antioxidant defense. Such kinds of studies are of great significance because of the fact that man and environment plants are forced to live under deteriorating anthropogenic pressure. Many harmful effects accumulate genomic and cell defence system changes that have to be predicted. Much more significant are the growing questions concerning the elucidation of mechanisms underlying resistance to UV, oxidative, light and temperature stresses. Some algae remain vital even at highest UV levels, and for that reason their adaptation is expected to adjust easily to higher radiations that may occur in the future. In this aspect, the use of Antarctic algae as a model system for creation of survival strategies is appropriate due to their ability to survive settling in various ecological niches and thus to become extremely resistant to severe ecological factors impact.