ESR spectra of vanadyl ion detected in branchial basket of an ascidian,ascidia ahodori

ESR spectra due to the vanadyl ion (VO²⁺, +4 oxidation state) was detected in the branchial basket of Ascidia ahodori, which is reported to contain vanadium in high amounts. The branchial basket, washed with a medium containing 1 mM EDTA, and the supernatant showed different types of vanadyl ESR spectra. On further treatment with 100 mM EDTA the branchial basket gave a characteristic ESR spectrum, indicating that the vanadyl ion binds to a high molecular weight matrix, such as proteins, which makes up the branchial basket. Judging from the relationship of the ESR parameters, g_∥ versus A_∥, the vanadyl ion is assumed to ligate with moieties such as deprotonated hydroxyl, or nitrogenous or thiolato groups from oxy- or thiolamino acid residues. The branchial basket was shown to have the ability to reduce added vanadate ion (+5 oxidation state) to the vanadyl form. On the basis of these observations, participation of the branchial basket in vanadium-accumulation by ascidians from seawater is suggested.