UPTAKE AND ASSIMILATION OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS BY MARINE PROTISTS.
Abstract
An analysis of the capacity of the phytoplankter, Platymonas subcordiformis, to take up and assimilate dissolved amino acids was made. This takes place very rapidly at low ambient concentrations. When the organism is grown under conditions of low nutrients, rate of amino acid uptake increases, generation time increases, and nitrogen content of the cells decreases. Thus, amino acid at very low concentration can supply all the nitrogen required for growth. Since these conditions approximate normal, we conclude that dissolved amino acids may play an important role in phytoplankton nutrition hitherto unrealized. We also report on the capacity of blue-green algae and some genera of macroscopic inshore algae in three divisions to take up and assimilate amino acid. Finally, the steps necessary to generalize and extend these results are discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 31, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0697004
Entities
People
- Grover C. Stephens
Organizations
- University of California, Irvine