21] Algal preparations with photophosphorylation activity

Abstract

This chapter describes the methodology of photophosphorylation for those algae preparations, which show reasonably high photophosphorylation rates because of both cyclic and noncyclic electron transport. In the course of determination of particles from Anacystis nidulans (Cyanophyceae, blue-green algae), photophosphorylation is carried out in Warburg vessels with white light of 35,000 lux. The standard reaction mixture contains in a final volume of 3 ml (in μmoles): Tris buffer, pH 7.6, 60; MgCl 2 , 40; ADP, 10; inorganic phosphate, 10 (with approximately 10 5 cpm 32 p); particles with 0.2 mg chlorophyll. Photophosphorylation rates with particles from Anacystis as reported by the Trebst group are comparable to those from spinach as far as the cyclic system with N -methylphenazinium methyl sulfate (PMS) and ferredoxin is concerned. The chapter describes the determination of chloroplasts from Bumilleriopsis filiformis Vischer (Xanthophyceae). This alga is a member of the coccoid Xanthophyceae; the cells; the preparation for the method of determination involves its sticking together after division and formation of filaments consisting of several. They are grown autotrophically.