Characterization and transcript analysis of the major phycobiliprotein subunit genes from Aglaothamnion neglectum (Rhodophyta)

The genes encoding the α and β subunits of allophycocyanin, phycocyanin and phycoerythrin from the red alga Aglaothamnion neglectum were isolated and characterized. While the operons containing the different phycobiliprotein genes are dispersed on the plastid genome, the genes encoding the α and β subunits for each phycobiliprotein are contiguous. The β subunit gene is 5′ for both the phycocyanin and phycoerythrin operons, while the α subunit...