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

This dataset contains the raw data supporting the results presented in the article “Thermal stress impairs photophysiology and redox balance in the kelp Lessonia spicata”. The data correspond to physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of the kelp Lessonia spicata exposed to thermal stress under controlled experimental conditions. The dataset is organized in an Excel file with three worksheets: 1. Physiological responses: Includes photophysiological parameters derived from photosynthesis–irradiance curves and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements. 2. Biochemical responses: Contains measurements related to pigment content and oxidative stress indicators. 3. Molecular responses: Includes relative expression levels of genes associated with photosynthesis, stress response, and metabolic pathways. Each row represents an individual replicate measurement. The variables Season time and Hours indicate the experimental sampling period and sampling time during the experiment. These data were generated to evaluate the impact of thermal stress on photophysiological performance, oxidative balance, and gene expression in Lessonia spicata, contributing to understanding the physiological mechanisms underlying thermal tolerance in kelp species.