The Effects of Salinity upon Galactosyl-Glycerol Content and Concentration of the Marine Red Alga Porphyra purpurea (Roth) C.Ag. |
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Authors: | REED, ROBERT H. COLLINS, JULIAN C. RUSSELL, GEORGE |
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Abstract: | Changes in the major alcohol-soluble, low molecular weight carbohydratesof P. purpurea, O--D-galactopyranosyl-(1-2)-glycerol (floridoside)and O--D-galactopyranosyl-(1-1)-glycerol (isofloridoside),have been examined in response to salinity variation. Floridosideis shown to vary in absolute amount, increasing in hypersalineand decreasing in hyposaline media. Isofloridosidecontent per cell does not change in a similar manner. Responsesare almost identical under light or dark conditions, floridosidechanges being complete within 24 h. Decreasing the externalwater potential using ionic and non-ionic solutes has the sameeffect upon galactosyl-glycerol content. The amount of floridosidesynthesized, and degraded under hypersaline and hyposaline conditionsrespectively is shown to be insufficient to restore cell volumeto its original value. It is therefore suggested that the primaryfunction of floridoside increases in concentratedsea-waters is that of a compatible solute, serving to protectthe cell during periods when the external salt content is increaseddramatically. |
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