The colorful world of cryptophyte phycobiliproteins

Abstract Cryptophytes are flagellated, eukaryotic phytoplankton found in environments ranging from tea-colored ponds to the blue-water open ocean. vary color green red, a trait that is imparted primarily by their phycobiliprotein (PBP) accessory pigments. These PBPs have likely played key role diversification of cryptophytes into wide range aquatic over evolutionary history. This review covers current knowledge origin, structure and function cryptophyte presents evidence for remarkable phenotypic plasticity PBP absorption, which may help acclimate changes environment like eutrophication (“greening”), permafrost melting (“browning”) or deforestation.