Abstract
We grew marineSynechococcus Clones WH7803 and WH8018 at 150µE m−2 s−1 in dilute batch cultures with NH +4 as the limiting nutrient. The maximal uptake capacities for NH +4 and NO -3 were measured in frequent experiments during log and stationary phases of growth. Clone WH7803, originally isolated from oceanic waters, had a specific uptake rate of NH +4 that approximated the maximum (log phase) specific growth rate (ca ~ 0.025 h−1). NO -3 uptake was observed only after nitrogen in the media was depleted; the NO −3 uptake capacity was ca 12% the capacity for NH +4 uptake throughout the nitrogen depleted period. Growth was arrested upon nitrogen depletion, but resumed soon after reinoculation into fresh media, even after 5 d of starvation. Clone WH8018, originally isolated from coastal waters, revealed a five-fold enhancement in the NH +4 uptake rate relative to growth rate at the time of nitrogen depletion. As nitrogen starvation proceeded, this enhancement was reduced. This clone, too, was able to take up NO -3 once nitrogen in the media was depleted, but only after ca 20 h. Growth continued for a limited period during nitrogen depletion, but nitrogen-starved cells were slow to recover upon reinoculation into fresh media. We speculate that clonal differences may reflect differences in the molecular regulation of nitrogen assimilation.
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Communicated by J. Grassle, Woods Hole
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Glibert, P.M., Ray, R.T. Different patterns of growth and nitrogen uptake in two clones of marineSynechococcus spp.. Mar. Biol. 107, 273–280 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01319826
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01319826