The phylogenetic significance of the distribution of arginine deiminase and arginase in the Chlorophyta

Abstract

Eighteen species of algae from the classes Prasinophyceae, Chlamydophyceae, Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Zygnematophyceae and Charophyceae (sensu van den Hoek et al. 1988) were investigated for arginase and arginine deiminase activities. Arginine deiminase activity was demonstrated in members of the Prasinophyceae, Chlamydophyceae, Ulvophyceae and Chlorophyceae. Only members of the Zygnematophyceae and Charophyceae contained arginase. These results are generally consistent with recently proposed phylogenies for the green algae.