Phytoplankton cell-states: multiparameter fluorescence lifetime flow-based monitoring reveals cellular heterogeneity

Paul David Harris, Nadav Ben Eliezer, Nir Keren, Eitan Lerner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Phytoplankton are a major source of primary productivity. Their photosynthetic fluorescence are unique measures of their type, physiological state, and response to environmental conditions. Changes in phytoplankton photophysiology are commonly monitored by bulk fluorescence spectroscopy, where gradual changes are reported in response to different perturbations, such as light intensity changes. What is the meaning of such trends in bulk parameters if their values report ensemble averages of multiple unsynchronized cells? To answer this, we developed an experimental scheme that enables tracking fluorescence intensities, brightnesses, and their ratios, as well as mean photon nanotimes equivalent to mean fluorescence lifetimes, one cell at a time. We monitored three different phytoplankton species during diurnal cycles and in response to an abrupt increase in light intensity. Our results show that we can define specific subpopulations of cells by their fluorescence parameters for each of the phytoplankton species, and in response to varying light conditions. Importantly, we identify the cells undergo well-defined transitions between these subpopulations. The approach shown in this work will be useful in the exact characterization of phytoplankton cell states and parameter signatures in response to different changes these cells experience in marine environments, which will be applicable for monitoring marine-related environmental effects.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4125-4141
Number of pages17
JournalFEBS Journal
Volume291
Issue number18
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2024

Keywords

  • acclimation
  • fluorescence lifetime
  • photosynthesis
  • phytoplankton

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology

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