Physiological, biochemical, and genetic parameters of the lichen Physcia stellaris Nyl. populations depending on the level of pollution
The data on the pollution influence on the lichen flora state in the largest industrial center of the Republic of Bashkortostan - Sterlitamak, are presented. Changes of morphological parameters and activity of physiological and biochemical processes activity in Physcia stellaris thalli growing in the city habitats and beyond were studied. An analysis of the morphometric parameters showed that lichens growing in the areas of prevailing winds from the city experienced a decrease in biomass accumulation, thallus length, and a decrease in the number of apothecia and lobes. Analysis of the hemagglutinating activity (GAA) of lectins showed an increase in the content of these proteins in samples collected in the city and in the suburbs in the north-north-east direction. Lichens living in the city were characterized by relatively low respiratory activity, which may be due to the stabilizing, adaptogenic role of lectins under the influence of adverse conditions. Samples collected in the north, north-north-east and south directions had the highest oxygen consumption rate, which may be associated with respiratory costs for adaptation to environmental pollution. The increase in the pro-line content was revealed in the lichen thalli growing in the territories polluting by the toxic compounds. The samples of lichens from the south-south-west, south-west and northern areas were characterized by high microbial contamination. Analysis of genetic variability using RAPD markers revealed differences in the genetic structure of Physcia stellarispopulations depending on growing conditions. The cluster of lichens from the northern and southern directions was identified, which generally compares with the data on the wind rose and our data on the level of pollution, morphophysiological and biochemical parameters. Thus, we revealed the changes in activity of physiological and biochemical processes aimed at increasing the stability of the lichen’s symbiotic organism in areas affected by industrial emissions of the city of Sterlitamak.