Ribonucleotide Reductase in Blue-Green Algae: Dependence on Adenosylcobalamin

Ten species of freshwater blue-green algae exhibit an adenosylcobalamin-dependent ribonucleotide reductase, thuse explaining the requirement for cobalt by these organisms. The evidence suggests a phylogenetic affinity between the cyanophytes and bacteria, such as Clostridium and Rhizobium, and the euglenoid flagellates, which also use the cofactor-dependent reductase. In contrast, the ribonucleotide reductase reaction in the few green algae surveyed shows no dependence on cobalamins.