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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #197595

Title: A NOVEL PIGMENT BIOMARKER USEFUL FOR IDENTIFICATION OF SOME EUGLENOPHYCEAE

Author
item TRIEMER, R - MICHIGAN STATE UNIV.
item BENNETT, M - MICHIGAN STATE UNIV.
item Zimba, Paul
item MOELLER, P - NOAA
item BEAUCHESNE, K - NOAA

Submitted to: Phycological Society of America
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2006
Publication Date: 8/1/2006
Citation: Triemer, R., Bennett, M., Zimba, P.V., Moeller, P., Beauchesne, K. 2006. A novel pigment biomarker useful for identification of some euglenophyceae. Phycological Society of America.

Interpretive Summary: Rapid screening methods for identifying harmful algal species are essential for detection of problematic conditions. One method for assessing algal populations is through carotenoid analysis of the unique biomarkers found in algal divisions. A unique carotenoid was identified that is useful in separating the division euglenophyceae from the 13 other algal divisions. This carotenoid has use in aquaculture systems in both marine and freshwater environments for identification of this algal division.

Technical Abstract: Pigment biomarkers are extremely useful for characterizing algal populations. For maximal utility, these biomarkers should be unique compounds found within specific divisions or lower taxonomic rankings. A unique pigmented compound was isolated from select species from eight genera of euglenoids representing all of the major photosynthetic lineages. The compound does not match the published absorbance or atomic mass for pigments found in this division. This novel compound, currently thought to be a carotenoid and tentatively named euglenophycin, has a maximal absorbance at 464nm in acetone, and a mass weight of 519-520 AMU and appears to have utility in separating euglenophytes from the chlorophytes.