The phycobilin signatures of chloroplasts from three dinoflagellate species: A microanalytical study of Dinophysis caudata, D-fortii, and D-acuminata(Dinophysiales, Dinophyceae)

The absorbance and fluorescence emission spectra for three species of Dinop hysis, D. caudata Saville-Kent, D. fortii Pavillard, and D, acuminata Clapa rede et Lachmann, were obtained through an in vivo microanalytical techniqu e using a new type of transparent filter. The pigment signatures of these D inophysis species were compared to those of Synechococcus Nageli, a cryptop hyte, and two wild rhodophytes, as well as those of another dinoflagellate, a diatom, and a chlorophyte. Phycobilins are not considered a native prote in group for dinoflagellates, yet the absorption and fluorescence propertie s of the three Dinophysis species were demonstrated to closely resemble phy cobilins and chloropylls of Rhodomonas Karsten (Cryptophyceae). Analyses of Dinophysis species using epifluorescence microscopy found no additional nu cleus or nuclear remnant as would be contributed by an endosymbiont.