THE DETERMINATION OF K-CARRAGEENIN AS A FACTOR IN THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHODOPHYCEAE

Abstract

Aqueous extracts from 30 species of red algae were treated with κ-carrageenase, a specific hydrolase for κ-carrageenin. The total reducing power of the hydrolyzate indicated that the algae could be divided into three groups on the basis of the content of κ-carrageenin. Group 1 included Gigartina acicularis, G. radula, G. pistillata, G. christata, and Iridaea sp. with a low value. Group 2 included Chondrus crispus, G. stellata, G. stiriata, Rhodoglossum affine, Furcellaria fastigiata, and Endocladia muricata, all with values comparable with that in C. crispus. Group 3 included Hypnea musciformis and a Yatabella sp. with a value greater than that for C. crispus. The occurrence of agarose and of κ-carrageenin in the Rhodophyceae is discussed as a factor in their taxonomy.