Phycobiliproteins in Rhodella reticulata and photoregulatory effects on their content

The phycobiliproteins of the red alga Rhodella reticulata were purified, and except B-phycoerythrin and C-phycocyanin, the presence of allophycocyanin was also proved in the phycobiliprotein composition of this alga. The production of algal biomass increased in response to the increase in light intensity, while phycobiliprotein content decreased under the same conditions, the effect being observed under all tested colours of light (white, green and red). The manifestation of complementary chromatic adaptation was suggested and it was shown how photoregulatory effects might be used for maximization of phycobiliprotein yields. It was established that Rhodella reticulata could be a potential source of phycobiliproteins.