With the kelp as a test vector,a new method of seperation and purification of metallothionein-like protein（MT-like） in algae was developed by using sephadex column.Then the MT-like protein and the Zn-MTs standard were measured by UV spectrophotometry.The molecular weight of MT-like protein were characterized by gel electrophoresis and accurately analysed by mass spectrometry.The enrichment ability of heavy metals was studied,and the response of MT-like to Zn and Cu was investigated after the kelp was cultured with ZnCl2,CuCl2,ZnCl2+CuCl2.The results showed that the MT-like and Zn-MTs had a similar UV absorption peak at 294 nm and displayed the similar range in SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis.The molecular weight of the MT-like determined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was about 6.5 ku.The kelp showed a strong enrichment ability for metals,in which the enrichment ability for Zn was stronger than that for Cu.The Zn2+ could promote the MT-like production,while the growth of MT-like induced with Cu2+ increased at first,and then decreased.The Cu2+ had an antagonistic effect on Zn2+ inducing process.