Multiple Forms of Polyglucoside-Branching Enzyme in the Algae

Three isozymes specifically concerned with the “branching” of linear polyglucosides have been delected in algae. These enzymes were detected using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and were found to be present in blue-green, red and in green algae. Two isozynies were found in Oscillatoria princeps; three enzymes were present in Spirogyra setiformis, and two and three such enzymes were detected in red algae of the Rhodymenia type. The significance of the multiple forms of this branching enzyme was assessed in light of the type of storage poly-glucosides formed by these plants. The “degree of branching” of the storage sugar appeared to be related to the evolutionary status of these algae.