Mechanisms of adaptation and evolution of cyanobacteria under ultraviolet radiation

Abstract:

Cyanobacteria, among the oldest life forms on Earth, are discovered in nearly all habitats ranging from lakes to deserts. As an integral component of the solar spectrum, ultraviolet (UV) is known to exert profound effects on the growth and evolution of cyanobacteria through its radiative impact. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which UV radiation affects cyanobacterial growth, the regulatory role of UV in the growth of cyanobacteria, and the adaptive strategies of cyanobacteria to UV. Additionally, this paper explores the relationship between UV radiation and cyanobacterial evolution and discusses the scientific value of the interactions between cyanobacteria and UV radiation in the research on biological evolution. Furthermore, this paper expounds the environmental factors affecting cyanobacterial resistance to UV and envisions the future research directions concerning the adaptation and evolution of cyanobacteria exposed to UV radiation.