Ultrastructural, physiological and proteomic analysis of Nostoc flagelliforme in response to dehydration and rehydration

► Cell ultrastructure maintains stability in N. flagelliforme under water deficiency. ► Specific metabolic mechanism is related to the adaptation to xeric conditions. ► Some proteins may serve as molecular markers in response to dehydration. ► Carbohydrate and energy metabolism and antioxidation are important in rehydration. ► ROS detoxification pathway was proposed to cope with dehydration/rehydration cycle.