Scientists believe the Klebsormidium flaccidum genome is the essential evolutionary link between aquatic algae and land plants. It is thought that Klebsormidium evolved to exploit the most diverse nutrient compounds available on land and sea, becoming exceptionally nutritious itself in the process.
It's bio-adaptation meant it could withstand extreme conditions, including UV radiation, freezing/boiling temperatures, and starvation. As a result, its biomass components (proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) have similarities to plants yet present unique bioactive compounds not necessarily found in other algae species or plant products.
