Phenotypic diversity of hydrogen production in chlorophycean algae reflects distinct anaerobic metabolisms.

Several species of green algae use [FeFe]-hydrogenases to oxidize and/or produce H(2) during anoxia. To further define unique aspects of algal hydrogenase activity, the well-studied anaerobic metabolisms of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were compared with four strains of Chlamydomonas moewusii and a Lobochlamys culleus strain. In vivo and in vitro hydrogenase activity, starch accumulation/degradation, and anaerobic end product secretion were analyzed.