Enhancement of pigment concentrations in Dunaliella tertiolecta as a result of copper toxicity
The addition of copper to coastal waters through the disposal of complex effluents has been increasing. Copper is a well known algicide. It binds to the cell membrane, effects permeability mechanisms and attaches to SH groups on vital enzymes. The ability of algae to withstand copper toxicity varies greatly. The green flagellate, Dunaliella tertiolecta has previously been shown to be highly resistant to copper. Its ability to withstand high concentrations of copper promotes growth of Dunaliella in coastal waters contaminated with increased copper concentrations. Dunaliella tertiolecta possesses chlorophylls a and b, small amounts of alpha- and greater amounts of beta-carotene as well as neoxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of lethal and sublethal concentrations of copper on the growth and production of chlorophyll and carotenoids in Dunaliella tertiolecta.
- Research Organization:
- Montclair State College, NJ
- OSTI ID:
- 6787781
- Journal Information:
- Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States), Vol. 37:5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
CAROTENOIDS
BIOSYNTHESIS
CHLOROPHYLL
COPPER SULFATES
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
ALGAE
BIOCHEMISTRY
LETHAL DOSES
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
CHEMISTRY
COPPER COMPOUNDS
DOSES
HETEROCYCLIC ACIDS
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
HYDROCARBONS
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHYTOCHROMES
PIGMENTS
PLANTS
PORPHYRINS
PROTEINS
SULFATES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SYNTHESIS
TERPENES
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology