RNA-seq of Serritaenia testaceovaginata aka Mesotaenium testaceovaginatum (Zygnematophyceae, Streptophyta) treated with ultraviolet radiation against untreated control

The Zygnematophyceae are the closest algal relatives of land plants and hence interesting to understand land plant evolution. Species of the genus Serritaenia have an aerophytic lifestyle and form colorful, mucilaginous capsules, which surround the cells and block harmful solar radiation. Under laboratory conditions the production of this “sunscreen mucilage” can be induced by ultraviolet B radiation. The present dataset reveals insights into the cellular reaction of this alga to UV radiation (a major stressor in terrestrial habitats) and allows for comparisons with other algae and land plants to draw evolutionary conclusions.