Svedberg and Katsurai (1929) proposed a phylogenetic nomenclatural system for the classification of the phycobilin pigments of the algae. They designated the phycoerythrin and phycocyanin from the red algae as R-phycoerythrin and Rphycocyanin, respectively, and the corresponding pigments from the blue-green algae as C-phycoerythrin and C-phycocyanin. In general, these pigments exhibit the following absorption maxima : Approximate absorption maxima Pigment m/< R-phycoerythrin 495 540 560 C-phycoerythrin 550 R-phycocyanin 550 615 C-phycocyanin 615This system has proved inadequate in several instances (Kylin, 1912;Lemberg, 1930;Kylin, 1940; Haxo, ct a!., 1955) in that phycobilin pigments other than the above types, as judged from their absorption spectra, have been isolated. In spite of the apparent shortcomings of the Svedberg and Katsurai system of classification, no new system has been proposed. A new phycoerythrin has now been isolated from Porphyra naiadum and it is proposed that this pigment be called B-phycoerythrin (tentatively so designated by Blinks, 1954). This differs from known phycoerythrins in having two absorption peaks, at 545 and 565 nip.. The isolation, purification and some properties of this pigment will be discussed.
SOURCEPorphyra naiadum Anderson is a member of the most primitive red algal order, the Bangiales. There is now some question as to whether it belongs in the genus Porphyra, since its life cycle is different. This is currently under study by Prof.G. J. Hollenberg ; pending his description of a new genus, we must use the current name. The thallus is one cell thick, extremely delicate, and yields its pigment readily into fresh water in a few hours. It is found growing only upon a marine flowering plant, Phyllospadi.v.