TY - JOUR
AU - HATTORI,, AKIHIKO
AB - Abstract The formation of phycobilin pigments in a blue-green alga Tolypothrix tenuis was investigated with special reference to the effects of preillumination with colored lights. It was discovered that the algal cells are capable of forming phycobilin pigments in the dark, if they have been previously illuminated for several hours in the presence of CO2. The color of light applied in the later period of preillumination (chromatic illumination) was found to affect the ratio of phycoerythrin to phycocyanin formed in the subsequent dark period. A green light accelerates the dark-formation of phycoerythrin, a red light that of phycocyanin, and the two lights counteracting with each other in their effects. These directive effects of the “chromatic illumination” can be accomplished within a very short period, for instance, in 3 minutes if it is preceded by sufficient “preillumination” with an incandescent or day light fluorescent light. The reactions occurring during the period of chromatic illumination does not require the presence of CO2 and the aerobic condition. The alga can be grown heterotrophically when supplied with casamino acids and glucose. Under such a condition the alga forms phycocyanin together with chlorophyll and carotenoids, but not phycoerythrin. On the basis of the results obtained, a tentative scheme for the biosynthesis of phycobilin pigments in the alga was proposed, assuming the light-induced formation of unknown precursors which are converted into phycocyanin and phycoerythrin in the subsequent dark period. This content is only available as a PDF. © Oxford University Press
TI - EFFECT OF CHROMATIC LIGHTS ON PHYCOBILIN FORMATION IN A BLUE-GREEN ALGA, TOLYPOTHRIX TENUIS
JF - Plant and Cell Physiology
DO - 10.1093/oxfordjournals.pcp.a075776
DA - 1960-10-01
UR - https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/oxford-university-press/effect-of-chromatic-lights-on-phycobilin-formation-in-a-blue-green-eIrDYh0MvB
SP - 293
VL - 1
IS - 4
DP - DeepDyve
ER -