Red, green and blue light photoreceptors controlling chlorophyll a, biliprotein and total protein synthesis in the red alga chondrus crispus

Abstract

The synthesis of chlorophyll, phycoerythrin, phycocyanin and total protein synthesis in the red alga Chondrus crispus have been shown to be modulated by light quality in the short term through different photoreceptors. Chlorophyll synthesis was mainly stimulated by red light pulses. Because red effect was partially reversed by far-red light pulses, the involvement of phytochrome is suggested. This reversal was affected by photon fluence rates of far-red light. Phycoerythrin synthesis was mainly stimulated by green light pulses. The green effect was reversed by far-red light pulses. In addition to phytochrome, the involvement of a specific green light and blue light photoreceptor is proposed. Phycocyanin and total protein synthesis was mainly stimulated by red light through phytochrome system. © 1991 The British Phycological Society.