The effect of photoperiod on cell number, chlorophyll amount and growth rate of Chlorella vulgaris

Chlorella vulgaris has been used as a healthy nourishment source since the ancient times due to its rich protein and mineral ingredients. The purpose of this study is the observation of the growing parameters, pigment and protein quantities of this alga which is effective in delaying aging and strengthening of the defence mechanisms in different light intensities.In this study, the chlorophyll amounts, the protein amounts and the changes in the number of the cells of the samples that have 5 different lighting durations which belong to Chlorella vulgaris exposed to different lightning durations have been evaluated. For that reason, in the certain lighting periods of the samples (16 hours light, 17 hours light, 18 hours light, 19 hours light and 20 hours light), protein, chlorophyll analyses and the counting of the cells were done in 20 days period, 5 days consecutively and then 3 days at intervals. In all conditions tried, it was observed that there was an increase in the protein, chlorophyll and cell numbers of the samples in 5 different lighting periods belonging to Chlorella vulgaris kind, depending on the duration of the lighting and it has been found that these increases are important statistically.