Effect of light intensity on the saturation of photosynthesis in Gracilana species (Rhodophyta)

Effect of light intensit}-on the saturated phtosynthcsis was studied in three different species of Graci/aria. Photosynthetic oxygen evolution reached saturation in the range of 15 to 30 ~ Elm1/sec. However, the saturation in G. crassa was observed at low intensity than G. edulis and G. corticota. The photosynthetic activity was found to be maximum in O. corticoiD. I~C02 uptake also showed maximum carbon fixed per unit fresh weight in G corlicala i.e., 21 .3 m mole I g. Fw I h as compared to 18.1 m mole I g. Fw I h in G. edulis and 17.9 m mole I g. Fw I h in G. corlicala.