Pigment composition and chloroplast organization of Gambierdiscus toxicus Adachi and Fukuyo (Dinophyceae)

Abstract

Gambierdiscus toxicus, the toxic dinoflagellate which causes ciguatera disease, has an unusual pigment composition and chloroplast ultrastructure. It contains peridin in as the major carotenoid, and both chlorophylls c1 and c2. Its photosynthetic apparatus appears rather complex, with the chloroplasts divided into two parts; towards the periphery of the cell each chloroplast section possesses numerous thylakoids but not girdle lamellae. Some more internal profiles show few thylakoids and a structure resembling a girdle.