Green Alga Chaetomorpha Research Articles

Protective effects of polysaccharide extracted from green alga Chaetomorpha linum against zinc and copper-induced testicular toxicity in male mice

This study aimed to investigate the effects of copper (CuSO4) and zinc (ZnSO4) overload on male reproductive toxicity and the potential of a polysaccharide extracted from green alga Chaetomorpha linum (PS) in mitigating their toxicities. Adult male mice strain of 25 ± 2 g of weight was subdivided into eight groups. Group 1 served as control; group 2 received PS (200 mg/kg), and groups 3 and 4 received intraperitoneally zinc (60 mg/kg b.w) and copper (33 mg/kg b.w), respectively. Group 5 received both zinc (60 mg/kg b.w) and copper (33 mg/kg b.w), group 6 received zinc (60 mg/kg b.w) associated with PS (200 mg/kg), group 7 received copper (33 mg/kg b.w) associated with PS (200 mg/kg), and group 8 received zinc (60 mg/kg b.w) and copper (33 mg/kg b.w) associated with PS (200 mg/kg). Results suggested that ZnSO4 and CuSO4 significantly decreased the functional sperm parameters. Furthermore, extended exposure to these elements increased oxidative stress biomarkers, including malondialdehyde (MDA) as a measure of lipid peroxidation and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) indicating protein oxidative damage. This process also reduces the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which neutralize and catalyze free radicals. Histopathological changes in mice testis were also studied. However, the co-treatments with PS significantly reduced these effects and promoted the reproductive parameters in male mice. In conclusion, PS exhibited protective effects against zinc and copper-induced reproductive toxicity, making it a potential adjuvant treatment for testicular toxicity.

Clonostachys rosea, a marine algal endophyte, as an alternative source of chrysin and its anticancer effect.

Endophytic fungi were isolated from the marine green alga Chaetomorpha antennina and identified as Clonostachys rosea through molecular analysis. C. rosea was grown in a tryptophan medium for 21days and after that, the metabolites were extracted by ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract showed a high cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells. GC-MS analysis of the ethyl acetate extract revealed the presence of many compounds, and chrysin was one of the major compounds among them. Hence, further studies were concentrated on chrysin, as it was assumed to be the major attributor to the potent cytotoxicity, based on its high anticancer efficacies reported earlier. The fungal ethyl acetate extract had been analysed for chrysin using HPTLC and compared its Rf value with authentic chrysin and it was matched. Further, the purified fungal chrysin was structurally elucidated using techniques like LC-MS and NMR analyses. Quantification revealed that C. rosea produced 1050mg/L of chrysin. This surplus production of chrysin was the major significance of the study. The purified fungal chrysin was found to be highly cytotoxic to MCF-7 cells with a low IC50 value 35.5 ± 0.6µM. Furthermore, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis analysis indicated the selective inhibition of MCF-7 by DNA damage. Thus, the present study implies that C. rosea is an alternative source and new method for surplus production of chrysin in the tryptophan medium. All results indicate that the marine algae endophytic C. rosa produces chrysin, and for the first time, an excess amount of production was revealed by the study.

Anticoagulant Property of a Sulfated Polysaccharide with Unique Structural Characteristics from the Green Alga Chaetomorpha aerea.

Sulfated polysaccharides from marine algae have attracted a great amount of attentions for the development of marine drugs due to their unique structural features, and they are great potential sources of naturally occurring anticoagulant agents. The genus Chaetomorpha is one of the largest genera in green algae and has a worldwide distribution. In the present study, a homogeneous polysaccharide from Chaetomorpha aerea, designated as PCA, was obtained by alkali extraction, anion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. Based on the results of chemical and spectroscopic analyses, PCA was a sulfated galactoarabinan which was mainly constituted of a backbone of →4)-β-l-Arap-(1→ unit, partially sulfated at C-3 of →4)-β-l-Arap-(1→ and C-4 of →6)-α-d-Galp-(1→. The side chains consisting of →6)-α-d-Galp-(1→ and →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→ residues were in C-2 of →4)-β-l-Arap-(1→ unit. PCA had a strong anticoagulant activity in vitro as evaluated by the assays of activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time and fibrinogen level. The obvious anticoagulant activity in vivo of PCA was also found. PCA significantly inhibited the activities of the intrinsic coagulation factors XII, XI, IX and VIII, and exhibited weak inhibition effects on the common coagulation factors II and X. The anticoagulant mechanism of PCA was attributed to strong thrombin inhibition potentiated by heparin cofactor II or antithrombin III, and it also possessed an apparent inhibition effect on coagulation factor Xa mediated by antithrombin III. The investigation demonstrated that PCA could be a promising anticoagulant agent for health promotion and the treatment of thrombotic diseases.

Antidiabetic-activity sulfated polysaccharide from Chaetomorpha linum: Characteristics of its structure and effects on oxidative stress and mitochondrial function

A water-soluble polysaccharide from the green alga Chaetomorpha linum, designated CHS2, was obtained by water extraction, preparative anion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. Results of chemical and spectroscopic analyses showed that CHS2 was a sulfated rhamnogalactoarabinan, and its backbone was mainly constituted by 4-linked and 3,4-linked β-l-arabinopyranose with sulfate groups at C-2/C-3 of 4-linked β-l-arabinopyranose. The branching contained 4-linked, 6-linked β-d-galactopyranose and terminal rhamnose residues. Based on the inhibition of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) aggregation and morphology change of hIAPP aggregates in in vitro tests, it was proved that CHS2 effectively inhibited the hIAPP aggregation and possessed strong antidiabetic activity. CHS2 was nearly no toxicity in NIT-1 cells and could attenuate hIAPP-induced cytotoxicity. CHS2 may significantly reduce the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and hIAPP aggregation-induced oxidative stress in NIT-1 cells. CHS2 was co-localized with mitochondria, and largely protected mitochondria function from hIAPP aggregation-induced damage through stabilizing mitochondrial membrane potential and enhancing the mitochondrial complex I, II or III activity and ATP level. The data demonstrated that CHS2 could have potential prospect to become an antidiabetic drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment.

Use of a filamentous green alga (Chaetomorpha sp.) and microsnail (Stenothyra sp.) as feed at an early stage of intensive aquaculture promotes growth performance, artificial feed efficiency, and profitability of giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon).

With the worldwide demand for tropical penaeid prawn increasing in recent decades, more research on shrimp culture methods is needed to enhance efficiency and profitability for shrimp farmers. The objective of this study was to develop a technique to boost the productivity, feed efficiency, and profitability of the giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon). To accomplish this, a novel culture setup was established in which two benthic organisms, a filamentous green alga (Chaetomorpha sp.) and a microsnail (Stenothyra sp.), were propagated together with P. monodon post-larvae during an early culture stage and then offered to shrimp as supplementary live feeds in intensive aquaculture ponds. For the experiment, shrimp post-larvae (density: approximately 33 individuals m-2) were cultured in outdoor concrete ponds (9 × 9 × 1.2 m) under either control (fed only artificial feed, n = 3) or experimental (fed artificial feed and benthic organisms, n = 3) conditions until they reached marketable size (15 weeks). Apparent green algae consumption was 6.81 kg (8.4% green alga to total feed consumption), whereas microsnail consumption was 1.96 kg (2.4% microsnail to total feed consumption). Compared with the control group of giant tiger prawn, the experimental group showed significantly higher productivity (total number of shrimp produced: 118%; total shrimp production: 133%), feed efficiency (feed conversion ratio of artificial shrimp feed: 89%), and profitability (shrimp sales: 139%; balance between shrimp sales and costs: 146%), while labor and financial costs were kept minimal. These results can be explained by the enhanced growth of shrimp at the early stages of culture. The techniques developed in this study will help to advance the efficiency of intensive aquaculture operations for giant tiger prawn and also improve profitability for shrimp farmers.

Effect of Green Algae Chaetomorpha antennina Extract on Growth, Modulate Immunity, and Defenses against Edwardsiella tarda Infection in Labeo rohita.

Simple SummaryGlobal demand for macroalgal and microalgal foods is growing, and algae are increasingly being consumed for functional benefits beyond the traditional considerations of nutrition and health. The study was undertaken to know the effect of methanolic extract of Chaetomorpha antennina in fish. The results demonstrated that the betterment of growth, immune system, and resistance to disease against Edwardsiella tarda in Indian major carp, rohu, and Labeo rohita. These findings are useful for development of new feed additive in aquaculture sectors. The current study focused on assessing the outcome of methanol extract of Chaetomorpha antennina (MECA) on the growth performance and immune modulation in both specific and non-specific immune responses through the assessment of neutrophil, serum lysozyme, serum myeloperoxidase, antiprotease, ceruloplasmin, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) activity in Labeo rohita (rohu) at 28 days post treatment along with assessment of the disease resistance capacity against Edwardsiella tarda at 30days post immunization. Fishes (n = 144; average weight 50.0 ± 0.23 g) were evenly divided into four treatments, with 12 fishes per tank in triplicates. The MECA was injected intraperitoneally in the fishes at different doses as 0, 25, 75, and 150 mg/kg of the body weight. The results demonstrated that fish treated with MECA have an increased body weight, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) with respect to the control group. Results suggested that the MECA inclusion can significantly enhance (p < 0.05) the levels of serum lysozyme, neutrophil function, serum antiprotease activity, cellular RNS, and ROS production. Exposure to MECA of 75 mg/kg showed a significantly higher survival percentage against E. tarda disease infection. These results indicate MECA as a stimulant of immunity in L. rohita against E. tarda. The results suggested that MECA is a potent immunostimulant in finfish aquaculture and can offer higher economic welfare.

Endophytic fungus, Chaetomium globosum, associated with marine green alga, a new source of Chrysin

The marine ecosystem is an extraordinary reserve of pharmaceutically important, bioactive compounds even in this “synthetic age”. Marine algae-associated endophytic fungi have gained prominence as an important source of bioactive compounds. This study was conducted on secondary metabolites of Chaetomium globosum-associated with marine green alga Chaetomorpha media from the Konkan coastline, India. Its ethyl acetate extract (CGEE) exhibited an IC50 value of 7.9 ± 0.1 µg/mL on MCF-7 cells. CGEE exhibited G2M phase cell cycle arrest, ROS production and MMP loss in MCF-7 cells. The myco-components in CGEE contributing to the cytotoxicity were found by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry analyses. Chrysin, a dihydroxyflavone was one of the forty-six myco-components which is commonly found in honey, propolis and passionflower extracts. The compound was isolated and characterized as fungal chrysin using HPLC, UV–Vis spectroscopy, LC–MS, IR and NMR analyses by comparing with standard chrysin. The purified compound exhibited an IC50 value of 49.0 ± 0.6 µM while that of standard chrysin was 48.5 ± 1.6 µM in MCF-7 cells. It induced apoptosis, G1 phase cell cycle arrest, MMP loss, and ROS production. This is the first report of chrysin from an alternative source with opportunities for yield enhancement.

Anticoagulant-active sulfated arabinogalactan from Chaetomorpha linum: Structural characterization and action on coagulation factors

A sulfated polysaccharide from the green alga Chaetomorpha linum, designated CLS4, was isolated by water extraction, anion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. Chemical and spectroscopic analyses demonstrated that CLS4 was a sulfated arabinogalactan, which was constituted by (1→6)-β-d-galactopyranose and (1→5)-α-l-arabinofuranose residues with sulfate groups at C-2/ C-3 of (1→5)-α-l-arabinofuranose and C-2/C-4 of (1→6)-β-d-galactopyranose. CLS4 possessed strong anticoagulant activity in vitro or in vivo as evaluated by activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time assays. CLS4 largely inhibited the activities of the coagulation factors XII, XI, IX and VIII. CLS4 was a potent thrombin inhibitor mediated by antithrombin III (ATIII) or heparin cofactor II, and it also effectively stimulated the factor Xa inhibition by potentiating ATIII. Moreover, CLS4 had a high thrombolytic activity in vitro as assessed by clot lytic rate assay. The results suggested that CLS4 could be a promising source of anticoagulant agent.

Extraction, characterization and biological properties of polysaccharide derived from green seaweed “Chaetomorpha linum” and its potential application in Tunisian beef sausages

A novel polysaccharide extracted from green algae Chaetomorpha linum (PS) was characterized, using infrared spectroscopy, HPLC-FID, gel filtration high-pressure chromatography, thin layer chromatography and spectrum visible UV. Natural antioxidant potential of PS was evaluated based on DPPH free radical, ferrous iron–chelating, β carotene bleaching inhibition activities and DNA nicking assay. Functional properties were estimated based on Water Holding Capacity (WHC), Oil Holding Capacity (OHC), emulsifying activity and foaming ability. Overall, data showed attractive chemical, functional and biological properties with an antioxidant capacity of PS in beef sausages during storage for 12 days. Indeed, as compared to standard formulation (with addition of vitamin C), samples formulated with PS presented lower values in terms of lipid oxidation (TBARS, MetMb), while preserving color properties compared with untreated samples. Furthermore, lower changes in pH, moisture, and the highest values of heme iron were obtained. Successful inhibition of microbial proliferation was proved. Endowed with high antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, PS could thus be used as a natural conservative in functional foods.

Optimization of protein extraction from green algae Chaetomorpha sp. by response surface methodology

Green brackish algae Chaetomorpha sp. are easily found in shrimp ponds in Mekong Delta, Vietnam. They can also be co-cultured with shrimps in brackish water shrimp ponds to increase shrimp health and yield. Chaetomorpha sp. algae contain high amount of protein from 10 to 20% w/w db, including water soluble protein and alkaline-soluble protein with over 88% total protein. Dried material were used for protein extraction by using cellulase enzyme (Crestone Conc., Genecor) and NaOH solution. In this research, we optimize the extraction condition of protein from green algae Chaetomorpha sp. by using response surface methodology (RSM). At optimal extraction conditions, dried material was used for protein extraction by using cellulase enzyme (Crestone Conc., Genecor) with the enzyme dosage of 121 UI/g db at 400C during 90 mins. After extraction, the slurry was centrifuged to separate the algae biomass residue to extract the alkaline-soluble protein. The protein extraction yield by using cellulase enzyme was 38.921 mg/g db. After that the, algae biomass residue was extracted by a 1.2% NaOH solution for 78 mins at 500C. The protein extraction yield was 68.651 mg/g db. The total protein extraction yield was 105.755 mg/g db. The extraction yield was increased 10.33% when using the response surface methodology. Concentrated algae protein can be used as a good protein source for food and feed products.&#x0D;

The potency of green algae Chaetomorpha crassa Agardh as antioxidant agent from the coastal of Lhok Bubon, West Aceh

The coastal of Lhok Bubon at West Aceh district, Aceh Province is ideal habitat for macro algae, such as Chaetomorpha crassa. The objectives of this paper is to analyse the antioxidant activity of C. crassa; to determine their antioxidant activities correlation with total phenolic contents with different extract of marine macroalgae. The C. crassa samples were collected from the coastal area of Lhok Bubon, West Aceh District (latitude 4011’51.07”N; longitude 9601’42.33”E) Aceh Province, Indonesia in June 2017. Several assay by laboratory approach including chemical composition, extraction, phytochemical screening, DPPH, CUPRAC, FRAP assays and measurement of total phenolic content (TPC) was used. The result showed that the antioxidant activities of three extract of green algae C.crassa clearly indicated that they possess antioxidant activity in different method including DPPH, CUPRAC and FRAP. The correlation has indicated to correlate positively between the total phenol content and antioxidant activity with three methods of antioxidant activity.

INDUCTION OF AUTOPHAGY IN HUMAN CERVICAL CANCER CELL LINE (SIHA) BY CHAETOMORPHA LINUM (MULLER) KÜTZ.

Objective: Algae is a rich source of various metabolites. Use of algae in traditional medicine was reported from very early days. The potential anticancerous activity of the algae was also reported by recent researches. In the present study, cell death mechanism induced by green alga Chaetomorpha linum (Muller) Kütz. was studied on human cervical cancer cell line, SiHa (Human papilloma virus-HPV 16+ve).Methods: Cells were treated with chloroform fraction of the Chaetomorpha linum (CLC). DNA fragmentation, cell proliferation, nuclear morphology, localization of autophagosomes and expression of relevant proteins were studied. Cell cycle and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed by fluorescence assisted cell sorting (FACS). Gas chromatography liquid spectrometry (GCMS) analysis of CLC was done to detect the algal compounds.Results: Preliminary experiments confirmed the absence of DNA fragmentation and altered nuclear morphology in the treated cells. In the Acridine Orange stained cells, the presence of autophagosomes was observed by both microscopy and FACS analysis. Decreased MMP was observed in the treated sets. Wound healing assay showed the inhibitory activity of CLC on SiHa cells. Increased expression of autophagic proteins, viz; LC3BII, p62/SQSTM, Beclin-1 and decreased expression of S6 were observed in the treated sets; indicating that autophagic cell death was induced. Preliminary qualitative chemical study and GCMS analysis detected the presence of saponins, glycosides, alkaloids, phenols, steroids and fatty acids in CLC.Conclusion: All these findings clearly suggested that the chloroform fraction of the algae was responsible for induction of apoptosis followed by autophagic cell death in SiHa and can serve as a potential candidate for anticancer drug development in future.

Broad-scale impacts of salmon farms on temperate macroalgal assemblages on rocky reefs

Intensive fish culture in open sea pens delivers large amounts of nutrients to coastal environments. Relative to particulate waste impacts, the ecological impacts of dissolved wastes are poorly known despite their potential to substantially affect nutrient-assimilating components of surrounding ecosystems. Broad-scale enrichment effects of salmonid farms on Tasmanian reef communities were assessed by comparing macroalgal cover at four fixed distances from active fish farm leases across 44 sites. Macroalgal assemblages differed significantly between sites immediately adjacent (100m) to fish farms and reference sites at 5km distance, while sites at 400m and 1km exhibited intermediate characteristics. Epiphyte cover varied consistently with fish farm impacts in both sheltered and exposed locations. The green algae Chaetomorpha spp. predominated near fish farms at swell-exposed sites, whereas filamentous green algae showed elevated densities near sheltered farms. Cover of canopy-forming perennial algae appeared unaffected by fish farm impacts.

Chemical composition of extracts from Chaetomorpha linum (Miller) Kütz. A potential use in the cosmetic Industry

The chemical composition of extracts from the green alga Chaetomorpha linum (Miller) Kutz., growing wild in Corsican pond, were investigated by GC-MS (derivatisation) and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Eighteen compounds have been identified from both pentane and ethyl acetate extract. Fatty acids, mainly saturated (SFA) are the main compounds from the pentane extract, whereas components of the sterols family are major compounds from the ethyl acetate extract. Besides usual fatty acids founds in green alga extract, we report herein the identification of unusual compounds. Indeed 12 compounds (3, 7-18) were identified for the first time in a Chaetomorpha species. Among them three diterpenes bearing the abietane skeleton (abietic acid 12, dehydro-abietic acid 13 and methyl dehydro-abietate 14) were identified for the first time from a marine source. This chemical composition could be a chemotaxonomic characteristic from the linum species found in the Corsican area.

Efficacy ofCheatomorpha aereaon Fish Pathogens

The present study has been focused on to investigate the role of extracts of marine algae Chaetomorpha aerea against fish pathogens. The crude extract of the marine algae has shown promising activity against most of the screened pathogens. The green marine algae chaetomorpha aerea was very active against fish pathogens and could be a good source for the antifungal activity. In partitioning crude extract portioned between ethanolic and petroleum ether. The activity of each phase was screened using the disc diffusion method.

Molecular cloning and characterization of an Hsp70 gene from the bloom green alga Chaetomorpha valida (Cladophorales, Chlorophyta)

The full-length complimentary DNA (cDNA) of an Hsp70 gene from the bloom forming green alga Chaetomorpha valida (designated as CvHsp70) was isolated based on homologous cloning and the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) (Accession: KF812520). It was 2,225 bp, with an open reading frame of 1,995 bp. The deduced 664 amino acids possessed an ATPase domain of 429 amino acids, a substrate peptide-binding domain of 124 amino acids and a C-terminus domain of 111 amino acids. About 46–71 % similarities were detected between CvHsp70 and other 39 known Hsp70s of algae and higher plants; highly conserved motifs were also indentified in CvHsp70, which suggest the conservation of Hsp70 function. Although CvHsp70 presented the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) consensus sequence HDEL in the C-terminal, the subcellular prediction programs presumed that it was targeted to cytoplasm or ER; In the phylogenetic trees, the CvHsp70 formed a basal clade in the cytosolic group with high node support, which implies that it is possibly a chimera of ER and cytosolic Hsp70. Real-time PCR detection revealed the CvHsp70 expression was dramatically upregulated by temperature, desiccation, and salinities induction, which suggests that CvHsp70 might act as a stress responsive gene involved with protecting C. valida from abiotic stresses, thus indirectly facilitating growth and accumulation in unfavorable natural environments. In vitro expression showed one distinct band existed at ~72 kDa, and western blot detection showed that it was positive to the anti-His antibody with high specificity. This is the first study to characterize Hsp70 gene from Cladophoraceae species. Our results facilitate deeper analysis Hsp70 detailed functions in abiotic stress tolerance of C. valida and shed more light on the intrinsic mechanisms underlying the seasonal abundance.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of RbcL cDNA from the bloom-forming green alga Chaetomorpha valida (Cladophorales, Chlorophyta)

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) is a crucial enzyme catalyzing the CO2-fixing reaction in the initial step of the Calvin cycle. In this study, the full-length cDNA of Rubisco large subunit (RbcL) from the bloom-forming green alga Chaetomorpha valida (designated as CvRbcL) was isolated based on homologous cloning and the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) (accession: KF514135). It was 1,966-bp long, with an open reading frame of 1,431 bp without intron. The deduced 476 amino acids gave a predicted molecular weight of 52.38 kDa and theoretical isoelectric point of 6.15. Three catalytic regions and a CO2 activator region were identified in the CvRbcL, which highly conserved with those of other green algae and higher plants. Homologous analysis indicated that CvRbcL shared 52-86 % similarities with other 13 known algal and higher plant RbcLs sequences. Phylogenetic analysis showed that it had closer relationship with those of green algae and higher plants but was comparatively far from the red and brown algae clade. Real-time PCR detection revealed that the CvRbcL expression were dramatically upregulated by light and strongly suppressed in the dark. Temperature also markedly affected the CvRbcL transcription. A relatively high transcript level appeared between 15-25 A degrees C and reached the maximum at 20 A degrees C. This indirectly reflected that highly expressed Rubisco was involved with CO2 metabolism of C. valida under favorable natural environments, and might contribute to its fast growth and bloom formation. In vitro expression of CvRbcL showed that one distinct band existed at similar to 55 kDa, and western blot detection proved that it was positive to the anti-His antibody with high specificity. Our study is the first to characterize RbcL gene from Chaetomorpha species providing more knowledge of RbcL properties and facilitating further exploration of Rubisco in green macroalgae. Our results also help to decipher Rubisco molecular functions in the rapid growth period of C. valida and provide clues to develop forecasts of the seasonal C. valida bloom.

Presence of Phytol, a Precursor of Vitamin E in Chaetomorpha Antinnina

Phytol, a precursor of vitamin E was identified from green algae Chaetomorpha antinnina collected from Chullickal, Kochi Kerala coast, using GC-MS. Phytol is an acyclic diterpene alcohol that can be used as a precursor for the manufacture of synthetic forms of vitamin E and vitamin K1. The compound 3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-en-1-ol also known as phytol which exist naturally only in single isomeric form having molecular formula C20H40O and molecular mass 296. From the total ion chromatogram more than twenty peaks were observed, the mass spectrum of the peak at Rt 21.53 was resolved and the major fragmentations were noted. Major fragmentation were m/z 71 the base peak, m/z 296 the molecular ion peak, m/z 43, m/z 57, m/z 81, m/z 95, and m/z 123. It was found that there are some other compounds apart from this identified phytol which are more complicated in structure and cannot be characterised using GC-MS. Phytol is reported to have both antimicrobial and anticancer activities. The green algae Chaetomorpha antinnina can be proposed to be a good natural source for production of phytol.

Culture observation and molecular phylogenetic analysis on the blooming green alga Chaetomorpha valida (Cladophorales, Chlorophyta) from China

The marine green alga Chaetomorpha valida fouls aquaculture ponds along the coastal cities of Dalian and Rongcheng, China. Unialgal cultures were observed under a microscope to determine the developmental morphological characters of C. valida. Results reveal that gametophytic filaments often produce lateral branches under laboratory culture conditions, suggesting an atypical heteromorphic life cycle of C. valida between unbranched sporophytes and branched gametophytes, which differs from typical isomorphic alternation of Chaetomorpha species. The shape of the basal attachment cell, an important taxonomic character within the genus, was found variable depending on environmental conditions. The 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA regions were used to explore the phylogenetic affinity of the taxa. Inferred trees from 18S rDNA sequences revealed a close relationship between C. valida and Chaetomorpha moniligera. These results would enrich information in general biology and morphological plasticity of C. valida and provided a basis for future identification of green tide forming algae.

Life history ofChaetomorpha valida(Cladophoraceae, Chlorophyta) in culture

AbstractThe marine green algaChaetomorpha valida(Cladophoraceae, Cladophorales) has been found for several years fouling aquaculture ponds along coasts of the cities Dalian and Rongcheng, P.R. China. Using unialgal culture and microscopic observation, we completed the life history ofC. validaand discovered fragment regeneration for the first time. The life history comprised an isomorphic alternation between gametophytes and sporophytes typical of most other members of the Cladophorales. Male and female gametes fused into zygotes then developed into sporophytes. Quadriflagellate zoospores produced by mature sprophytes gave rise to new gametophytes that yielded biflagellate gametes. Germination of zygotes and zoospores was of the bipolar erect type, as observed in some other species ofChaetomorpha. Fragment regeneration occurred in both gametophytes and sporophytes via production of polar algal fragments, which directly developed into entire filaments to give a self-replicating gene­ration. The results improved understanding of the seasonal abundances ofC. validain spring and summer.