ACCr-00001
$ 8.00
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CHLAMYDOMONAS NIVALIS
About the Algae:
Chlamydomonas nivalis is a unicellular green alga known for its remarkable ability to thrive in snow and icy environments, making it a psychrophile (cold-loving organism). This species is most famous for contributing to the phenomenon known as "watermelon snow," where patches of snow turn reddish or pink due to the accumulation of carotenoid pigments produced by the algae to protect themselves from intense sunlight and UV radiation. These pigments not only give the snow its striking color but also help the algae survive in high-altitude, low-temperature conditions where sunlight is still intense.
Chlamydomonas nivalis typically inhabits glacial regions, polar areas, and high alpine environments. It can remain dormant for long periods when frozen and resumes activity when temperatures rise during the warmer months. The alga is well adapted to extreme conditions, with unique metabolic pathways that allow it to photosynthesize at low temperatures and handle high irradiance. This has made it a model organism for studying cold-adaptation mechanisms in algae.
The high carotenoid content of C. nivalis has sparked interest in biotechnology, particularly for natural pigments and antioxidants. Its ability to survive in such harsh conditions also makes it a fascinating subject for astrobiology, as it serves as a potential analog for life in icy extraterrestrial environments.
References:
- Peng, Y., Liu, X., & Zhou, H. (2021). Cold Adaptation Mechanisms of a Snow Alga Chlamydomonas nivalis During Temperature Fluctuations. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11, 2021.
- Zheng, Y., et al. (2021). Low-Temperature Adaptation of the Snow Alga Chlamydomonas nivalis Is Associated With the Photosynthetic System Regulatory Process. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12, 2021.
C. nivalis Culture Kit: coming soon!
Should I order a the CULTURE or the CULTURING KIT?
The culture is just that- algae culture in a bottle.
The culturing kit is (1) algae culture, (2) algae culturing salts, (3) algae culturing nutrients.
The KIT will get you to a total volume that is much greater than the initial volume of the culture.
