The relationship between chlorophyll and the carotenoids in the algal flagellate, Euglena

Abstract

1. We have obtained an action spectrum for chlorophyll formation in Euglena gracilis. This action spectrum is similar to the absorption spectrum of protochlorophyll. However, efforts to isolate and identify this pigment have been unsuccessful. 2. Porphyrins have been extracted from both the normal and dark-adapted Euglena and a chlorophyll-free mutant. 3. The "action" spectra for chlorophyll and carotenoid synthesis have been found to almost coincide, indicating that the same porphyrin-like molecule may influence the synthesis of both pigments. 4. It is indicated that two porphyrin-like systems are in operation simultaneously, one concerned with carotenoid "removal" and another involved in carotenoid and chlorophyll synthesis.