Optimization of Maintenance Conditions for Some Microforms of Red Algae in Collections

The effects of light and temperature conditions on the maintenance of some red microalgae (order Porphyridiales) in collections were studied. Periodical subculturing on solid and liquid media was used for maintenance. Halophilic species P. aeruginosa, P. cruentum, and P. sordidum were lost in 2.5 months if kept in darkness. The viability of algae in the dim light slightly declined in 4–5 months and was species-dependent. The results were compared with earlier obtained data on mesophilic Chlorococcales. For the green algae, darkness proved to be the optimal condition, while their viability markedly decreased at light. It was suggested that this discrepancy was caused by the presence of phycobiliproteins in the cells of red algae. Dim light conditions are optimal for the synthesis of phycobiliproteins, which are rapidly destroyed in darkness, thus leading to cell death.