THE SEPARATION, IDENTIFICATION AND QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF PHOTOPIGMENTS FROM THE SIPHONACEOUS MARINE ALGA CODIUM FRAGILE

Abstract

The photopigments of the Siphonaceous marine alga Codium fragile have been quantitatively determined using thin layer chromatography (TLC). Codium fragile fronds contain a unique spectrum of carotenoids, notable by the absence of β‐carotene, and the presence of a‐ and e‐carotenes, siphonoxanthin, siphonein, neoxanthin and violaxanthin. The carotenes are present in low concentrations whereas siphonoxanthin and its ester siphonein account for as much as 60% of the total carotenoids present. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the habitat of this alga. Copyright © 1981, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved