Na Yun Park’s research while affiliated with Gyeongsang National University and other places

This review explores the biological rhythms of eukaryotic microalgae, focusing on chlorophytes, diatoms, and dinoflagellates and their applications in biotechnology and ecology. Eukaryotic microalgae, which are crucial primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, exhibit complex biological rhythms that synchronize physiological processes such as photosynthesis, cell division, and nutrient metabolism with environmental cycles. These rhythms have been shown to enhance microalgal adaptability and productivity, making them valuable for industrial applications, including biofuel production and synthesis of high-value compounds. However, due to the diversity of microalgal species and the limited number of species with fully sequenced genomes, the precise identification of circadian components remains a challenge. Despite these challenges, advances in molecular tools and biotechnological applications continue to improve our understanding of microalgal rhythms and their potential for enhancing biomass productivity. This review highlights the importance of further research on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying these rhythms to fully exploit their biotechnological and ecological potential.

Microcystis aeruginosa is a major cyanobacterium that can secrete toxins, such as microcystin, and causes harmful algal blooms. Despite extensive research on the effects of microcystins on other organisms, research on how introduced M. aeruginosa into estuaries affects marine phytoplankton is scarce. In this study, the effect of M. aeruginosa on the growth of seven representative marine phytoplankton species that inhabit estuaries was determined. The marine phytoplankton species differed in their responses to M. aeruginosa; of the seven species, the growth rate of Akashiwo sanguinea was the most affected by M. aeruginosa cells and filtrate. Moreover, our results revealed that M. aeruginosa affected the growth rate and photosynthetic efficiency of A. sanguinea in a density‐ and time‐dependent manner. Our findings suggest that M. aeruginosa may alter the phytoplankton community structure in estuarine ecosystems.