EN
This paper reports that selected low molecular hydrocarbons, i.e. hexane, cyclohexane and benzene added to cultures of the alga Scenedesmus obliquus (Chlorococcales), grown under auxotrophic and sterile conditions, inhibit the growth and stimulate the accumulation of cell wall carotenoids. The maternal cell walls contain: canthaxanthin, astaxanthin and its oxidation products, i.e. astacene and semiastacene, 2,3-didehydrofritschiellaxanthin and lutein. Samples of the cell walls obtained from homogenate also contain echinenone. The differences in cell wall carotenoids content of maternal cell walls and cell walls from homogenates of algal cells are discussed.