Preparation of Photosynthetically Active Particles from Synchronized Cultures of Unicellular Algae

Abstract

This chapter describes the methods for the preparation of photosynthetically active particles from synchronized cultures of unicellular algae. The preparation of chloroplasts and chloroplast particles from higher plants provides homogeneous experimental material than the whole cells, abolishes the effects of the stomatal barrier, transport, and permeation problems. The chapter establishes a method for (1) fast disruption with high yield, (2) high activity of the particles, (3)applicability at different stages of synchronous cultures of different algae, and (4) high reproducibility. A comparative characterization of the photosynthetic behavior and the changes in the photosynthetic apparatus of synchronized cultures of Chlorella, Scenedesmus, and Chlamydomonas has been reported. The particle characterization includes size and pigment analysis. The effectiveness of the procedure in the preparation of photosynthetically active particles can be evaluated only in photosynthetic experiments. High reproducibility of experimental results is most desirable. Synchronous cultures are standardized and present therefore a good initial experimental material.© 1977 Academic Press Inc.