Relative fold change of transcript of the genes obtained by qRT-PCR.

In the WT and mutant (M) strains of P. agardhii after exposure to HL stress for 2 h (for hsp genes) and 5 h (for mcyE). Data normalization was done using the three most stable RGs (rsh, rpoD and gltA). Group 1: genes which showed no significant change under HL conditions; Group 2: genes which were slightly up-regulated (4 fold) under HL conditions. Values are reported as mean ± SD; NS: p>0.05;*p**p***p