Pigment composition in three Dinophysis species (Dinophyceae) and the associated cultures of Mesodinium rubrum and Teleaulax amphioxeia

Abstract

Despite the discussion around the nature of plastids in Dinophysis, a comparison of pigment signatures in the three-culture system (Dinophysis, the ciliate Mesodinium rubrum and the cryptophyte Teleaulax amphioxeia) has never been reported. We observed similar pigment composition, but quantitative differences, in four Dinophysis species (D. acuminata, D. acuta, D. caudata and D. tripos), Mesodinium and Teleaulax. Dinophysis contained 59–221-fold higher Chl a per cell than T. amphioxeia (depending on the light conditions and species). To explain this result, several reasons (e.g. more chloroplasts than previously appreciated and synthesis of new pigments) are suggested.