The biliproteins of the Cryptophyceae

Abstract

The absorption spectra of the biliprotein pigments from 26 cryptomonad strains (Cryptophyceae), representing probably 23 species, have been examined. Twenty of these strains were isolated from Australian waters. Sixteen species are shown to possess Cr-phycoerythrins that can be allotted to the three types of this pigment previously distinguished on the basis of absorption maxima. The remaining seven species possess Cr-phycocyanins, exhibiting four distinct absorption spectra. The system of classification of the Cr-phycocyanins, including a novel fourth type, is reviewed. A correlation between the distribution of the biliproteins and the genera of Cryptophyceae is discussed.