Functional aspects of secondary carotenoids in Haematococcus lacustris (Girod) Rostafinski (Volvocales)

Abstract

Alterations of photosynthetic activity were investigated during accumulation of secondary carotenoids in Haematococcus lacustris (Girod) Rostafinski. Using several methods regarding (i) pigment pattern and pigment content (cytophotometry, computer‐aided microscopic image analysis, in vivo absorption spectroscopy, high‐performance liquid chromatrography) and (ii) photosynthesis (microfluorometry, modulated chlorophyll fluorescence and luminescence detection, O₂ evolution and consumption measurement, 77 K fluorescence spectroscopy) we examined single cells and cell suspensions of the green alga. The results indicate decrease of both the photosystem II activity and the linear electron transport accompanying synthesis of secondary carotenoids. On the other hand, activation of those processes leading to an increased transthylakoid proton gradient could be established during early accumulation period. This is assumed to be an active adaptation of the photosynthetic apparatus to energetic requirements given by secondary carotenoid biosynthesis in H. lacustris.