Eco-physiological and biochemical study of two of the most contrasting forms of Chondrus crispus (Rhodophyta, Gigartinales)

• Published in: Marine ecology. Progress series (Halstenbek) 1992, Vol.81 (2), p.185-195
• Main Authors: Chopin, Thierry, Floc'h, Jean-Yves
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algae; Biochemistry; Cell walls; Chondrus crispus; Gametophytes; Marine; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Red algae; Rhodophyta; Sea water; Seasons; Thallus
• ISSN: 0171-8630; 1616-1599
• DOI: 10.3354/meps081185

Seasonal variations of distribution of the gametophytic and tetrasporophytic generations, growth, carrageenans, phosphorus and nitrogen nutrition, and dry matter content were studied in 2 of the most contrasting forms of the red alga Chondrus crispus Stackhouse in Britanny, France. Seasonal variations of generations were more pronounced in the infralittoral than in the midlittoral form; the former had more reproductively mature plants and twice as many tetrasporophytes. Growth was greater in the infralittoral than in the midlittoral form. Contents of total carrageenans were comparable in the 2 forms; the κ-, ι-, and μ-carrageenan structures did not vary significantly (qualitatively, quantitatively, during the year, or between the 2 forms). The midlittoral form had a higher total phosphorus content, more marked seasonal variations and an earlier spring decline than the infralittoral form. Seasonal variations of total nitrogen content had different patterns in the 2 forms during summer. The dry matter content of the infralittoral form was lower than that of the midlittoral form. These eco-physiological and biochemical differences and similarities are discussed in terms of the polymorphism of this alga.