Seasonal changes in the chemical composition ofSargassum muticum

✍ Scribed by J. Gorham; S. A. Lewey

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag
• Year: 1984
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 506 KB
• Volume: 80
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0025-3162
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00393133

✦ Synopsis

The alga Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt, a member of the Phaeophyceae, exhibits a growth cycle at Bembridge, Isle of Wight (UK), in which large annual fronds develop from much smaller perennating structures. Seasonal changes between April 1977 and June 1978 in the chemical composition of the alga were recorded. The content of inorganic ions, alginate and the dry weight:fresh weight ratio were relatively constant. Mannitol, laminaran and polyphenolic compounds were at their maxima in early summer (June/July), when the plant was undergoing rapid extension growth. In contrast, the protein content was highest in ~vinter and early spring. It was concluded that the elongation phase which occurred in the spring was not supported by the use of stored polysaccharide reserves, since the amounts present were insufficient for this purpose and increased during the period of most rapid growth.