Energy strategies of brown algae Lessonia spicata (Surh) Santelices (Phaeophyceae, Laminariales) to counter excess solar irradiance in the intertidal zone

This dataset contains the physiological, biochemical, and molecular measurements obtained from the intertidal brown macroalga Lessonia spicata exposed to simulated seasonal irradiance regimes under controlled laboratory conditions. The experiment evaluated short-term acclimation responses to different combinations of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and ultraviolet radiation (UVA + UVB), representing seasonal light conditions (autumn, winter, spring, and summer) typical of the central Chilean coast.

The dataset is organized into three sheets:

Physiological responses: chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters derived from PAM fluorometry, including photosynthetic efficiency (αETR), maximum electron transport rate (ETRmax), saturation irradiance (Ek), maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), and maximum non-photochemical quenching (NPQmax).

Biochemical responses: pigment concentrations (chlorophyll a), phenolic compounds, and oxidative stress indicators including hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS/MDA).

Molecular responses: raw quantitative PCR values associated with genes involved in photosynthesis, pigment biosynthesis, electron transport and stress response.

Samples were obtained from adult sporophytes of Lessonia spicata collected in the intertidal zone of central Chile and analyzed after exposure to controlled irradiance treatments. Measurements were conducted during a daily cycle at multiple sampling times to capture short-term physiological and transcriptional responses.