Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 1959 Nov;43(2):251-64.
doi: 10.1085/jgp.43.2.251.

The quantum yield of photosynthesis in Porphyridium cruentum, and the role of chlorophyll a in the photosynthesis of red algae

M BRODY, R EMERSON

The quantum yield of photosynthesis in Porphyridium cruentum, and the role of chlorophyll a in the photosynthesis of red algae

M BRODY et al. J Gen Physiol. 1959 Nov.

Abstract

Quantum yield measurements were made with the red alga Porphyridium cruentum, cultured so as to give different proportions of chlorophyll and phycobilins. Totally absorbing suspensions were used so that there was no uncertainty in the amount of energy absorbed. These measurements have shown that chlorophyll, in this alga, has a photosynthetic efficiency as high as in other algal groups, and higher than the phycobilins-at least at wave lengths shorter than about 650 mmicro. Wave lengths longer than this are beyond the range of maximum efficiency of chlorophyll. Under specified conditions of temperature and supplementary light full efficiency may be extended to longer wave lengths. The results of these measurements have made it unnecessary to suppose that in red algae chlorophyll plays a minor role while the phycobilins are the photosynthetic sensitizers of primary importance.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. J Biophys Biochem Cytol. 1959 Mar 25;5(2):289-94 - PubMed
    1. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1955 Jun;17(2):185-93 - PubMed
    1. Plant Physiol. 1955 Nov;30(6):504-29 - PubMed
    1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1958 Sep 15;44(9):941-8 - PubMed
    1. J Gen Physiol. 1952 Jul;35(6):873-90 - PubMed