The green-to-red transformation of Euglena gracilis occurs when the organism is exposed to certain stimuli, such as intense red light and specific nutrient-rich mediums. This green-to-red transformation of Euglena gracilis is primarily attributed to changes in the production and accumulation of pigments within the cells, particularly carotenoids, which impart the distinctive red coloration.
| Date | April 15, 2024 |
| Source | Tokyo University of Science |
| Summary | Transforming Euglena gracilis from green to red utilizing bonito source and intense crimson illumination. |
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Euglena gracilis:
- Euglena gracilis, a unicellular organism, found in freshwater environments worldwide, this single-celled marvel possesses characteristics that make it a subject of fascination for scientists and researchers alike.
- Euglena gracilis appears as a tiny, elongated cell, typically ranging from 15 to 500 micrometers in length. Its distinctive feature is the presence of a flagellum, a whip-like appendage that propels it through water, enabling it to move with remarkable agility.
- Contained within its cell is a specialized organelle called a chloroplast, which contains chlorophyll—a pigment crucial for capturing light energy.
- Despite its microscopic size, Euglena gracilis packs a nutritional punch. This unicellular organism is rich in protein, containing all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source comparable to animal products.
- Additionally, Euglena gracilis is a good source of vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and various B vitamins, essential for overall health and well-being.
- It also contains Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant properties.
See The Structure of Euglena gracilis Here
Factors of Green-to-Red Transformation of Euglena gracilis:
- Researchers have identified several factors that influence the green-to-red transformation of Euglena gracilis. Intense red light within specific wavelengths triggers a series of biochemical reactions within the cells, leading to the synthesis and accumulation of carotenoids, including astaxanthin and β-carotene.
- Additionally, the composition of the culture medium plays a crucial role green-to-red transformation of Euglena gracilis, with nutrient-rich mediums, such as those derived from bonito stock or tomato juice, providing the necessary resources for enhanced pigment production.
Study:
In a research paper released in 2023, a team of researchers from TUS unveiled an approach to effectively cultivate E. gracilis in a cost-effective medium, whether solid or liquid, derived from tomato juice, commonly utilized for bacterial growth. Now, in a subsequent investigation, the scientists have delved into a promising methodology to enhance the production of carotenoids in cultured E. gracilis, elevating its nutritional value.
Research Team:
This study of green-to-red transformation of Euglena gracilis was Co-authored by Dr. Kengo Suzuki from Euglena Co., Ltd., alongside Professor Tatsuya Tomo and Professor Eiji Tokunaga from TUS, this latest study was featured in Volume 13, Issue 4 of the Plants journal, released on February 12, 2024.
Research News:
| Experiment | Observation | Conclusion |
| The team conducted a series of experiments on numerous batches of cultured E. gracilis. They subjected the cultures to varying wavelengths (or colors) and intensities of light to observe a “reddening reaction,” a distinctive indicator of increased carotenoid production observed in numerous plant species. Additionally, they explored a novel culture medium derived from bonito stock, a soup base extracted from Katsuobushi, a traditional Japanese dish crafted from smoked bonito fish. | The research team discovered that intense red-light exposure within the range of 605-660 nm induced a reddening response in E. gracilis cultivated in bonito stock. Additionally, they analyzed the chemical compositions of the cultures using high-performance liquid chromatography, examining both the culture as a whole and individual cells. | These investigations conclded that red-hued cells not only exhibited a substantial concentration of diadinoxanthin, the predominant carotenoid in E. gracilis, but also synthesized an unidentified xanthophyll-type carotenoid. Furthermore, the team observed that cultures cultivated in bonito stock displayed accelerated growth and achieved greater densities compared to those grown on standard media, potentially resulting in increased diversity or quantities of carotenoids. |
The findings of this research on the green-to-red transformation of Euglena gracilis hold the potential to lay the groundwork for a novel and readily scalable method for cultivating nutrient-rich E. gracilis.
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