Effect of regulated stress and its potential implication in <em>Ulva fasciata</em>

Abstract

Salinity, desiccation, and light deficient stress were the three different stress used to examine the regulated stress effect on <em>Ulva fasciata </em> (Sea lettuce). The interactive effect of time and salinity was recorded in both SOD and Catalase enzyme activity. The overall percent increase of SOD activity was 40%±0.79 and 433%±83.58 in Catalase activity in 100 psu respectively after 72 h. Similarly, the cumulative effect of stress on the activity of antioxidant enzymes was significant in all the test condition. The study showed that regulated stress could enhance protein content significantly. An increase of 317% of protein content was recorded after 48 h of desiccation. The protein concentration in desiccation stress was more by 53.42% and 63.4% than dark and salinity stress. The ability to enhance biotic compound through modulated stress can be an effective way of harnessing and sustainable use of natural resources. The elevated concentration of protein and an antioxidant enzyme activity due to the regulated stress in the present study suggest this possibility. The enhancement of a biologically active compound through regulated stress can be a handy tool for biotech based industry.