The fine structure of the branched alpha-D-glucan from the blue-green alga Anacystis nidulans: comparison with other bacterial glycogens and phytoglycogen.

The fine structure of the glycogen from the blue-green alga Anacystis nidulans has been examined. After selective hydrolysis of all (1 yields 6)-alpha-D linkages by a bacterial isoamylase, the resulting mixture of linear chains was subjected to gel permeation chromatography. For purposes of comparison, the glycogens from Escherichia coli and Arthrobacter sp., amylopectin, phytoglycogen from sweet corn, and shell-fish glycogen were treated similarly. The profiles of the unit chains of A nidulans glycogen and phytoglycogen were closely similar. There was no close resemblance in the size distribution of unit chains for A. nidulans glycogen, other bacterial glycogens, and amylopectin.