ISSN:
1432-072X
Keywords:
Allophycocyanin
;
Biliproteins
;
Phycocyanin
;
Protein aggregates
;
Rhodella violacea
;
Rhodophyceae
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract C-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin from the red alga Rhodella violacea were investigated by electron microscopy and biochemical methods using samples taken from the same fractions. The molecular weights of the native biliprotein aggregates C-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin are about 139,000 (140,000) and 130,000 (145,000) as revealed by calibrated gel chromatography, gradient gel electrophoresis and morphological measurements on the basis of an average protein packing density. These molecular weights are direct evidence for a trimeric aggregation form (αβ)3 of these biliproteins. Independently, their monomers were determined to be about 34,400 (C-phycocyanin) and 33,900 (allophycocyanin). C-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin are ringshaped, six-membered, biliprotein aggregates with dimensions of about 10.2×3.0 nm and 10.0×3.0 nm, respectively. The aggregates are made up of six subunits, 3α and 3β, which are assumed to be associated in alternating positions. They are arranged in regular hexagons in C6 symmetry. Hexameric aggregates (αβ)6, so far only isolated for C-phycocyanin, originate by face to face association of two trimeric aggregates.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00403196
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