The lipid-soluble pigments of the marine red alga Lenormandia prolifera

Abstract

1. The marine red alga Lenormandia prolifera contains α-cryptoxanthin, a monohydroxy derivative of α-carotene, as well as α- and β-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. 2. Chlorophyll a and a trace of chlorophyllide a is present but no chlorophyll d. 3. The chlorophyll/carotenoid ratio is 2.5 ± 0.7 (w/w), falling within the range reported for other species of the Rhodophyta. 4. α-Carotene is more abundant than β-carotene while lutein is the most abundant xanthophyll;α-cryptoxanthin accounts for only 2.4% of the total carotenoid content. 5. The possibility that the Amansia group is distinguished by containing α-cryptoxanthin and more α- than β-carotene is discussed. © 1968 Biologischen Anstalt Helgoland.