THE STORAGE GLUCAN OF PHAEOCYSTIS-GLOBOSA (PRYMNESIOPHYCEAE) CELLS

A non-colony-forming axenic strain of Phaeocystis globosa (Harlot) Lag erheim was shown to produce a water-soluble beta-D-glucan. This glucan consisted of about 20 glucose units, mainly (1 --> 3)-linked, with br anching at position 6. Therefore, it can be classified as a chrysolami naran. Glucan production occurred mainly during the stationary growth phase and resulted in concentrations as high as 76 pg glucose per cell . When cultures were deprived of light the glucans were consumed, whic h supports their possible role as compounds used for temporary storage of energy.