Algae photosynthetic properties

Fucoxanthin, lutein, neoxanthin, violaxanthin, and zeaxanthin are the most common xanthophylls on our planet. They are found in the photosynthetic machinery of algae (fucoxanthin) and higher plants (Figure 7.1). Interestingly, lutein and zeaxanthin have also been found in the retina of humans and some primates (Khachik et al., 1997 Landrum and Bone, 2001). It is likely that these carotenoids possess some universal photophysical properties essential for both photosynthesis and vision (Britton, 1995). 

The primary classification of algae is based on cellular properties the nature of the photosynthetic pigments, the chemical composition of the cell wall, nature of reserve materials and the nature and arrangement of the flagella. In terms of these characters, the major groups of algae are arranged in Table 4.1. 

Photosystem II (PSII) is part of the photosynthetic apparatus in cyanobacteria, algae and higher plants and catalyzes the light-induced transfer of electrons from water to plastoquinone via a set of delicately arranged cofiictors. It has a well known bindii site for diverse chemical compounds in its so-called D1 subunit and the ability to convert such a binding event into signals which can be easily detected by optical, potentiometric or amperometric systems. Due to these inherent properties PSII can be considered as a natural biosensor and has consequentially been used for the detection of herbicides and other pollutants in pilot studies. ... 

The toxic effect of nickel (Ni) on photosynthetic electron transport was investigated by monitoring the Hill activity, fluorescence, oxygen evolution and thermo-luminescence properties in the green algae Scenedesmus obliquus. The results obtained surest that Ni modify the Qp site or interact with the nonheme iron between the Qa and Qp inhibiting the photosystem II functions. ... 

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