Work

Contrasting species-specific stress response to environmental pH determines the fate of coccolithophores in future oceans

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Molecular mechanisms driving species-specific environmental sensitivity in coccolithophores are unclear but crucial in understanding species selection and adaptation to environmental change. This study examined proteomic and physiological changes in three species under varying pH conditions. We showed that changing pH drives intracellular oxidative stress and changes membrane potential. Upregulation in antioxidant, DNA repair and cell cycle-related protein-groups indicated oxidative damage across high (pH 8.8) and low pH (pH 7.6) compared to control pH (pH 8.2), and correlated with reduced growth rates. Upregulation of mitochondrial proteins suggested higher metabolite demand for restoring cellular homeostasis under pH-induced stress. Photosynthetic rates generally correlated with CO 2 availability, driving higher net carbon fixation rates at low pH. The intracellular pH-buffering capacity of the coastal Chrysotila carterae and high metabolic adaptability in the bloom-forming Gephyrocapsa huxleyi will likely facilitate their adaptation to ocean acidification or artificial ocean alkalinisation . However, the pH sensitivity of the ancient open-ocean Coccolithus braarudii will possibly result in reduced growth and shrinking of its ecological niche .

Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin

DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117136

Authors: Nishant Chauhan, Craig J. Dedman, Chloë Baldreki, Adam A. Dowle, Tony R. Larson, Rosalind E.M. Rickaby

Institutions: University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Plymouth, University of York

Language: English

Topic: Ocean Acidification Effects and Responses

Subfield: Oceanography

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,630