MICROSPECTROFLUOROMETRY OF THE AUTOFLUORESCENT FLAGELLUM IN PHOTOTACTIC BROWN ALGAL ZOIDS

摘要

Posterior flagella of zoids of Scytosiphon lomentaria and Chorda filum (Phaeophyceae, Chromophyta) were isolated and subjected to microspectrofluorometry using a high sensitivity microspectrofluorometer in order to characterize the flagellar autofluorescent substances. Vigorous agitation in a hypertonic medium yielded preparations of largely intact flagella retaining detectable green flagellar autofluorescence. Under 380-425 nm excitation light, maximum emission of flagellar autofluorescence was observed at 495 nm, whereas under 400-440 nm excitation light fluorescence shifted to around 510 nm. Comparison of these spectra with the fluorescence spectra of 4',5'-cyclic FMN isolated from fertile thalli of S. lomentaria ia, and of 6-carboxypterin suggested that two (or more) different fluorescent substances (presumably a flavin and a pterin) are present in the flagella. [References: 26]