Seasonal variation of carrageenans in tetrasporic, cystocarpic and ?sterile? stages of Gigartina skottsbergii S. et G. (Rhodophyta, Gigartinales)

Abstract

Cystocarpic and ‘sterile’ plants of Gigartina skottsbergii produce χ-carrageenans, while tetrasporophytes produce λ-carrageenans. No seasonal variation in the carrageenan yields in the three stages was evident. Yields were clearly higher in cystocarpic (34.1–64.7%) and ‘sterile’ samples (32.3–71.8%) than in tetrasporic plants (10.1–34.0%). Chemical characteristics of the polysaccharides for any stage are the same throughout the year.