Type I and Type II chlorophyll-a transformation products associated with algal senescence

Microalgal culture experiments to track chlorophyll-a (chl-a) transformation during senescence were characterised by the production of demetallated Type I chl-a transformation products in Pavlova gyrans and by the production of oxidative Type I transformation products in Isochrysis galbana. Dark-induced senescence in I. galbana produced a different distribution of Type I products from nutrient depletion induced senescence. Several novel Type I compounds were detected, including a chl-d like compound in I. galbana and a chl-a precursor like compound in P. gyrans. Type II chl-a transformation products were detected in the dissolved phase of I. galbana cultures; this is the first report of such compounds associated with marine algae.