Alginate Composition of Lessonia trabeculata (Phaeophyta: Laminariales) Growing in Exposed and Sheltered Habitats

Lessonia trabeculata forms extensive kelp beds in Chilean subtidal environments. It commonly occurs in wave exposed habitats, and occasionally in sheltered habitats. Different hydrodynamic regimes produce morphologically and physiologically distinct plants. This study investigated alginate composition in Lessonia trabeculata growing in two habitats which differed in intensity of water movement. Blades of sporophytes at an exposed beach (El Frances) were significantly narrower and thicker (P < 0.05) than those from a protected bay (La Herradura). Alginates from blades at the exposed site showed a significantly lower M/G ratio (P < 0.05) and a higher percentage of guluronic blocks than those from the protected site