Estimation of biotechnological potential and clarification of taxonomic status of Parietochloris genus microalgae (Trebouxiophyceae) from the CALU collection

Abstract

Morphological, biochemical, and molecular genetic studies of green microalgae from the collection of cyanobacteria, algae, and algal parasites of St. Petersburg State University (CALU) (presumably belonging to the Parietochloris genus) were conducted in order to estimate biotechnological potential and clarify the phylogenetic position. It was determined that the studied strains have a close relationship to two genera from different classes (Lobosphaera (Trebouxiaceae) and Deasonia (Actinochloridaceae)) and can be of biotechnological interest as producers of valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially arachidonic, linoleic, and α-linolenic).