The chloroplast can hold large amounts of β-carotene, which makes it appear orange-red. The β-carotene appears to protect the organism from long-term UV radiation that D. salina is exposed to in its typical environments.
Chloroplasts within D. salina contain significant quantities of β-carotene, resulting in their characteristic orange-red hue. This pigment appears to protect the organism from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation encountered in its natural habitat.