STRUCTURAL, CHEMICAL AND ECOLOGICAL STUDIES ON IRIDESCENCE IN IRIDAEA (RHODOPHYTA)1

Abstract

ABSTRACTTransmission electron microscopy of the iridescent algae Iridaea flaccida (S & G) Silva, Iridaea cordata (Turn.) Bory var. cordata and I. cordata var. splendens (S & G) Abbott reveals a multilaminated cuticle covering the thallus. Experimental results show the cuticle: a) can be isolated intact by mechanical scraping or NaOH treatment; b) is iridescent by itself and the denuded thallus is not; and, c) is isolated without any subtending polysaccharide layer, cell walls, or cells. This cuticle acts as a thin layer producing the constructive and destructive light interference which is seen as iridescence. It is formed of alternating electron opaque and translucent layers with a total thickness of 0.5–1.6 μm. Analysis of mechanically isolated cuticle shows that it is composed of protein (50%), carbohydrate (ca. 40%), inorganic salts (5%) and some fatty acids (less than 1.0%). The electron opaque layers may correspond to protein‐rich regions and the electron translucent ones to regions rich in carbohydrates. The cuticle does not appear to affect photosynthesis or respiration, but rather, may protect the alga from physical factors such as desiccation and from predator injury. It is likely that the iridescence in other foliaceous red algae is caused by a similar structure.