Dunaliella

Dunaliella is a genus of single-celled, photosynthetic green algae, that is characteristic for its ability to thrive and outcompete other organisms in hypersaline environments. They are mostly marine organisms, though there are a few freshwater species that tend to be more rare. It is a genus in which certain species can accumulate relatively large amounts of β-carotenoids and glycerol in very harsh growth conditions, consisting of high light intensities, high salt concentrations, and limited oxygen and nitrogen levels, yet is still very abundant in lakes and lagoons all around the world. It becomes very complicated to distinguish and interpret species of this genus on simply a morphological and physiological level due to the organism's lack of cell wall that allows it to have malleability and change shape and its different pigments that allows it to change colours depending on the environmental conditions. Molecular phylogeny analysis has become a critical protocol in discovering the taxonomy of Dunaliella. The genus has been studied for over a hundred years, becoming a critical model organism for studying algal salt adaptation processes. It has remained relevant due to its numerous biotechnological applications, including β-carotenoid cosmetic and food products, medicine, and biofuel research.