Open AccessIsolation and Characterization of Keto‐Carotenoids from the Neutral Extract of Algal Mat Communities of a Desert Soil
Author(s) -
Bauman Albert J.,
Boettger Heinz G.,
Kelly Ann M.,
Cameron Roy E.,
Yokoyama Henry
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
european journal of biochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1432-1033
pISSN - 0014-2956
DOI - 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1971.tb01543.x
Subject(s) - carotenoid , canthaxanthin , pigment , algal mat , subtropics , botany , desert (philosophy) , isolation (microbiology) , chemistry , ecology , biology , environmental chemistry , algae , organic chemistry , astaxanthin , philosophy , epistemology , microbiology and biotechnology
The carotenoid pigments of surficial algal mat communities of a California absolute subtropical desert were isolated and characterized principally by means of high resolution mass spectrometry. The pigments were all oxidized keto‐types, predominantly canthaxanthin, its isomers, and echinone. The carotenoid pattern suggests that the mats represent an old climax ecosystem in which the algal cells at the time of collection were starved for nitrogen.