Effect of gallium on photosynthetic pigments and peroxidase activity ofChlorella pyrenoidosa

Abstract Green algae (Chorella pyrenoidosa) were grown in iron‐deficient and normal iron supplied nutrient solution and treated with 1 uM gallium. Treatment with gallium enhanced the growth rate and chlorophyll content of algae cultures. Significant changes were recorded in individual photosynthetic pigment composition of treated cultures. In both iron‐deficient and normal iron supplied cultures, gallium treatment enhanced peroxidase enzyme activity. Partially purified peroxidase showed different kinetic properties in the samples treated with gallium. An iron‐gallium interaction is proposed that affects chlorophyll metabolism and peroxidase activity in green algae.