Context:
Recently, a young researcher has divulged the secret of how the Picocystis Salinarum survives the harshest of conditions by resorting to physiological adaptation to highly saline-alkaline/hyperosmotic conditions.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Dimensions of the Article:
- Picocystis Salinarum
- Sambhar Lake – Key Facts
Picocystis Salinarum
- Type: Globally widespread picoplanktonic green algae.
- Size: One of the smallest green algae.
- Habitat: Found in hypersaline soda lake Sambhar, Rajasthan.
- First Sighting: First observed in India in Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan, despite being found in saline-soda lakes worldwide.
Unique Features
- Survival in Extreme Environments:
- Adapted to hypersaline conditions, showcasing its ability to survive in extreme environments.
- Enhanced Photosynthesis:
- Exhibits enhanced photosynthetic activity in highly saline-alkaline conditions, a notable feature as photosynthesis is typically suppressed under hyperosmotic conditions in most photosynthetic organisms.
- Response Mechanism:
- Utilizes chaperone proteins as a key response to high salinity-alkalinity.
Sambhar Lake – Key Facts
- Largest Saline Wetland: India’s largest saline wetland located in Rajasthan.
- Ephemeral Salt Lake: Characterized as an ephemeral salt lake.
- Ramsar Site: Designated as a Ramsar Site, recognizing it as a wetland of international importance.
- Geographical Representation: Represents the depression of the Aravalli Range.
- Water Sources: Receives water from five rivers: Samaod, Khari, Mantha, Khandela, Medtha, and Roopangarh.
