Screening of cyanobacterial isolates from Rann of Kutch for the production of mycosporine like amino acids

Abstract

Isolation and characterization of cyanobacteria from extreme environment is important in identifying novel molecules and understanding the mechanisms underlying the tolerance. Therefore in the present study an attempt was made to isolate, identify and characterize cyanobacteria from Runn of Kutch experiencing high levels of salinity. Random soil samples have been collected from Rann of Kutch area from the Kutch District of Gujarat from Western India. The soil samples were used for the isolation of cyanobacteria and the morphological and cultural characteristics were used for identification. The identified strains belong to Anabaena, Nostoc, Phromidium, Westiellopsis and Synechocystisand were maintained at various salinity levels. The morphological identity was further confirmed using 16S rDNA technique and all the strains examined showed an amplification product of 1500 bp. BLAST analysis was performed and it showed close similarity with cultured cyanobacterial species. The isolates were screened for the presence of mycosporine like amino acids and out of the ten isolates seven were found positive for the presence of MAAs. Heterocystous forms produced more MAAs as compared to non-heterocystous forms. Growth as well as the cellular constituents of the cyanobacterial species producing mycosporine like amino acids showed variability. Positive correlation was found to exist between cellular constituents and MAA content in the isolates.