Production of phytochelatins (PCs) in response to cadmium uptake
in the benthic macroalgae Vaucheria compacta and V. debaryana
(Xanthophyceae) was investigated. The algae synthesized thiol-containing
peptides, identified by means of high-performance liquid
chromatography as PC2, PC3 and PC4.
In both algal species the level of PCs increased with time of cadmium exposure
and was dependent on external cadmium concentration. V. compacta
synthesized significantly more PCs than V. debaryana.
Exposure of the algae to cadmium
at low temperature and in darkness resulted in a significant decrease
in PC content over the time interval tested (3 days).