Production of extracellular superoxide contributes to photosynthesis via elimination of reducing power and regeneration of NADP in the red-tide-forming raphidophyte Chattonella marina complex.

The raphidophyte Chattonella marina complex (hereafter Chattonella) consists of noxious red-tide-forming algae that are damaging to fish farms. Chattonella produces and secretes large amounts of the superoxide anion (•O), and the production of extracellular •O has been associated with fish mortality. We reported previously that photosynthetic electron transport is correlated with the production of •O in the genus Chattonella.

Nutrient deficiency stimulates the production of superoxide in the noxious red-tide-forming raphidophyte Chattonella antiqua.

The raphidophyte Chattonella antiqua is a single-celled alga that forms 'red tides' in coastal areas. C. antiqua produces superoxide anions (O), the excessive production of which has been associated with fish mortality.