DIFFERENCES IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS-ASSOCIATED PROPERTIES OF THE BLUEGREEN ALGA SYNECHOCOCCUS CEDRORUM CROWN AT 30 AND 40 C1

The growth of Synechococcus cedrorum Saug. (UTEX 1191) at 40 C resulted in structural and functional alteratons relative to cells grown at 30 C. Structural variations included cell morphology and the chemical composition of the membrane. Growth at 40 C. produced cells that were longer and thinner than those at 30 C. The fatty acid composition changed substantially upon growth at 40 C. yielding a distribution with a higher ratio of: i) saturated to unsaturated fatty acids and; ii) longer chain unsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the pattern of membrane proteins as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis was distinctly different. The functional changes were typified by photosynthetic rates which were approximately half those of the 30 C grown cells. A number of spectral parameters were also seen to change in 40 C. grown cells: absorption spectra indicated a higher phycocyanin : chlorophyll ratio. Low temperature fluorescence spectra were consistent with a lowered efficiency of energy transfer from phycocyanin to chlorophyll. It is suggested that the fatty acid changes at 40 C. yield a more fluid membrane which is responsible for the functional alterations. The modification of phycocyanin. chlorophyll ratios, as well as the appearance of P750, is discussed with respect to membrane fluidity.