Photoperiod and temperature influence cadmium’s effects on photosynthesis-related gene transcription in Chlorella vulgaris

Routine metal compound toxicity tests are performed at one constant photoperiod and temperature. There is little knowledge about the interactions between metal compound toxicity and photoperiod or temperature. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of photoperiod and temperature on cadmium (Cd) toxicity in the fresh alga, Chlorella vulgaris, both singly and in combination. Exposure to 2 or 4 μM Cd alone significantly decreased the transcription of the photosynthesis-related genes psbA, psaB and rbcL. Three-way ANOVA analysis showed that both temperature and photoperiod interacted with the dosage of Cd to influence the abundance of psbA and psaB, but not rbcL. Specifically, psbA transcription was more sensitive to Cd under long photoperiods or high temperatures than under short photoperiods or low temperatures. Because photoperiod and temperature have certain impacts on the toxicity of metal compounds, these two environmental factors should be given more attention in laboratory research.