STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL VARIATIONS IN CHLORELLA VULGARIS CELLS UNDER ADDITIONAL EXPOSURE TO MICROELEMENTS

O. I. Bodnar, A. V. Dovbush, A. I. Rakochii, R. V. Kolesnytskiy, V. V. Hrubinko

Abstract


This article investigates the structural and functional variations in the cell membranes of the unicellular green alga Chlorella vulgaris under the influence of the microelements selenium, zinc, and chromium applied individually and in combinations. Cell membranes are considered a key component of adaptive cellular responses that regulate metabolism and maintain cellular homeostasis under altered environmental conditions. Experimental studies were carried out using an algologically pure culture of Ch. vulgaris grown under standard conditions with the addition of sodium selenite alone and in combination with zinc sulfate or chromium chloride. Membrane structural changes were assessed using light microscopy and morphometric analysis, while membrane functionality was evaluated based on total ATPase activity.
The results demonstrated significant membrane thickening and the formation of secondary concentric membrane systems in algal cells exposed to microelements. Membrane thickness increased 1.5-fold under Se (IV) treatment, 1.6-fold under combined Se (IV) and Zn (II) exposure, and 2.2-fold under combined Se (IV) and Cr (III) exposure compared to the control. An increase in cytoplasmic granularity was also observed, indicating profound structural rearrangements within the cells. Functional analysis revealed that these structural modifications were accompanied by changes in membrane ATPase activity, with the highest increase (up to 28.4%) recorded under the combined action of selenium and chromium. Importantly, the applied concentrations of microelements did not disrupt ion transport processes, indicating an adaptive rather than toxic cellular response. The findings confirm the presence of efficient membrane-mediated adaptive mechanisms in Chlorella vulgaris and highlight the potential of this alga for use in environmental bioindication and further biotechnological applications.

Keywords


Chlorella vulgari; cell membranes; microelements; ATPases; adaptation

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.25128/2078-2357.25.4.2

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