Distinction between Bacterial and Algal Utilization of Soluble Substances in the Sea

Authors:
  • AMA. L. S. Munro
    A. L. S. Munro
  • TBT. D. Brock
    T. D. Brock
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The presence of numerous bacteria and diatoms attached to the sand grains of a littoral beach were shown by fluorescence microscopy. Bacteria and diatoms were found in a viable condition to depths exceeding 10 cm. The rate of uptake of [14c]-acetate was measured over the range 10-5000 ug/liter and the results analyzed by Michaelis-Menten kinetics. By the use of autoradiography it was shown that the bacteria alone were responsible for the uptake of [3H]-acetate. It is concluded that algal heterotrophy is negligible in sea waters.