Algae & Cyanobacteria Collection: Haematococcus Pluvialis

Haematococcus Pluvialis is an interesting microalgae. When it is growing rapidly, it turns into Zoospores which are the vegetative, motile, pear shaped stage of H. Pluvialis growth. If conditions worsen (e.g. UV light exposure, sun intensity, salinity) these motile microalgae become palmellas, which are the resting stage of the cell. If the conditions worsen, then Haematococcus needs to become an  aplanospore. This aplanospore is the survival stage of this microalgae. When H. Pluvialis is in this stage, it accumulates carotenoids like astaxanthin which are extremely powerful antioxidants, making it able to withstand bad conditions. Industries have manipulated this microalga to grow at an optimal concetration,