Italiano
University TS
Biology
Research
ULTRASTRUCTURE, PHYSIOLOGY AND GENETICS: Plant physiology
Photosynthetic pigments and photobiology of algae
The terrestrial environments are subject to global climatic changes (e.g. "hole in the ozone layer").
Such changes are reflected in modifications of the spectral composition of the light in the
troposphere (PAR/UV-A/UV-B), and thus in alterations of the luminous radiation present in bodies
of water. This leads to the development in photosynthetic aquatic organisms of different forms of
photoadaptation, which affect photosynthesis, metabolism, reproduction, development and growth.
Studies have been carried out in controlled cultures (at the morpho-functional, cellular, sub-cellular
and biomolecular levels) on the ecophysiology, the ultrastructure and the biochemistry of the
processes of acclimatisation (in the short term) and of adaptation (in the long term) of macro- and
micro-algae (in particular, red algae, blue algae and diatoms) in response to variation of light
(irradiance and spectral composition). The main adaptative responses are recorded in:
- the photosynthetic system (modifications of the ultrastructural morphology, of the content of
both water-soluble (phycobiliproteins) and liposoluble(chlorophyll and carotenoids) photosynthetic
pigments, of photosynthesis/respiration, of the biosynthesis and aggregation of phycobiliproteins
into phycobilisomes in red and blue algae)
- the cell wall (alteration of the structural and matrix polysaccharide components in red and blue
algae; secretion of "mucilage" exudates in diatoms and in red and blue algae).
These analyses have led to the identification of species of algae which are photo-adaptable, also
from a chromatic point of view, and could be used for the production, by means of culture photo-
modulation, of algal substances (phycobiliproteins from red and blue algae, phycocolloids from red
algae and "mucilage" from diatoms).
Scientist in charge: L. Talarico.
ULTRASTRUCTURE, PHYSIOLOGY AND GENETICS: Plant physiology
Adaptation to water stress in Angiosperms
The research focuses on the monitoring of the biophysical, morphological and functional
parameters which regulate the resistance of arboreal species to environmental aridity. The work
carried out so far has allowed the measurement of the limits of adaptability of Mediterranean
species to aridity-related water stress both in the short (daily) and in the medium (seasonal) term.
In addition, the main endogenous stress factors, such as the cavitation of xilem water, and the
role played by the phloem in the repair of damage to the vertical conduction of water, have been
measured. In this regard, there is presently a collaboration with the Botanisches Institut of the
Universitaet fuer Bodenkultur of Vienna, in accordance with a specific bilateral agreement signed
by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries. A three-year research project, entitled
"Desertification in the Mediterranean Drylands: development of a monitoring system based on plant
ecophysiology" and co-ordinated by Prof. Salleo, is also currently in progress.
Scientist in charge: S. Salleo
ULTRASTRUCTURE, PHYSIOLOGY AND GENETICS: Plant physiology
Adaptation to thermal stress in Quercus
Research into the possible tolerance to low-temperature stress in European species of Quercus. The
research carried out so far indicates that the tolerance mechanisms are seated mainly in the root, the
hydraulic conductance of which is measured using a high pressure flowmeter. This instrument,
which allows measurements to be made in the field, is the only one in Europe and one of only three
in the world. An agreement is currently being finalised with the Forestry Service (USDA) of
Burlington (Vermont, USA)
Scientist in charge: S. Salleo
ULTRASTRUCTURE, PHYSIOLOGY AND GENETICS: Plant physiology
Photosynthesis of terrestrial plants
The following main projects are currently in progress:
- Study of gas exchanges in evergreen and deciduous species of the Mediterranean scrub
- Study of the effects of H2S on the epiphytic lichen vegetation in the Mount Amiata area
(Tuscany, central Italy) and on the photosynthesis of some species of foliose lichens
- Study of the ecophysiology and morpho-anatomy of endolithic lichens (in collaboration with
Dr.Roberto Zorer, Salzburg, Austria, and Dr.O.Salvatori, Sopraintendenza Beni Artistici e
Storici, Venice).
Scientist in charge: M. Tretiach
Italiano
University TS
Biology
Research