BIOLOGIYA MORYA, 2015, Vol. 41, No. 3, pp. 153-164

Fucoidans of brown algae: biosynthesis, localization, and physiological role in thallus

© 2015 A. V. Skriptsova

A.V. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok 690041

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The issues of structure and biosynthesis of fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides are considered in the review; the information on localization of fucoidans in tissues and their significance for algae is provided. Fucoidans participate in building of cell walls and supporting of their structure, as well as in extrusion of spores and gametes from reproductive organs. Due to the sulfated groups, these polysaccharides can bind cations (mainly K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) and participate in ion exchange with the environment, which facilitates adaptation of algae to water salinity fluctuations and to the toxic effect of heavy metals. Fucoidans play a substantial role in morphogenesis of zygotes of fucoid algae, as they participate in establishing the cell polarity and fixing the cell division axis, thus determining the direction for development of the rhizoidal and apical poles of young thalli.

Key words: fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides, fucoidans, biosynthesis, physiological role, localization, Phaeophyceae.