PROTOPLASTS FROM ZOOSPORES AND CYSTS OF HAEMATOCOCCUS-PLUVIALIS ALGA (CHLOROPHYTA, VOLVOCALES)

Two methods for preparing protoplasts from Haematococcus pluvialis Flo tow are reported. This microalga is characterized by two types of cell s: biflagellated vegetative zoospores and cysts. For zoospores, we use d a proteinase K (0.06%). The cellulose nature of cyst walls was demon strated by staining with calcofluor-white fluorochrome. A mixture of c ellulase (1%) and pectolyase (0.5%) was effective on cysts. Cell wall degradation during enzymatic incubation was studied by optical, electr on, and fluorescence microscopy. Cellulase and pectolyase were more sp ecific and efficient than proteinase K.