Studies on the growth of Phaeodactylum tricornutum III. The effect of iron on growth

Abstract

The iron nutrition of Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Bohlin) has been studied, and the limitation of growth because of iron deficiency demonstrated. Evidence is presented suggesting the ability of the organism to utilize paniculate iron and to adjust its utilization of iron in the presence of a continuing deficiency. One effect of lack of iron is a reduction in the degree of pigmentation and the ability of added iron to restore the pigmentation. Figures are presented showing the iron content per cell, and a comparison with other organisms suggests that the brackishwater P. tricornutum may be atypical when compared with coastal and oceanic members of the marine phytoplankton.

Differential antibacterial activities of fusiform and oval morphotypes of Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Bacillariophyceae)

“…The pennate diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin, lives in brackish and marine waters worldwide (De Martino et al, 2007;Tesson et al, 2009) and because it is easy to culture (Hayward, 1968) it has become a popular model for studies of microalgal physiology and biochemistry. Its prominence as a 'model' diatom has led to the publication of the complete genome sequence and, to date, it is one of only two diatoms to receive such complete genetic analysis (Bowler et al, 2008).…”

“…In laboratory culture the more common morphotypes are the oval-shaped and fusiform types (Lewin et al, 1958;Hayward, 1968;De Martino et al, 2007) although triradiate, intermediary and other unusual forms may also occur depending on the culture conditions and strain (Wilson, 1946;Coughlan, 1962;Borowitzka et al, 1977). These morphs are widely believed to represent phenotypic adaptations that favour survival in a changeable environment (Morales et al, 2002;De Martino et al, 2007;Bartual et al, 2008;Tesson et al, 2009).…”

Bioengineering Aspects of Inorganic Carbon Supply to Mass Algal Cultures: Final Report

“…In contrast, although data on pH responses by marine algae are limited, a large number of marine species appear to be unable to tolerate pH values much above 9.5 (Humphrey, 1975;Goldman, 1976), and typically grow optimally in a narrow pH range bracketing the pH of seawater which is -8.1 to 8.3 (Kain, 1958 a,b;1960;Hayward, 1968;Humphrey, 1975). Yet, a few marine species, particularly f..:.…”

“…Yet, a few marine species, particularly f..:. tricornutum, seem to behave more like freshwater algae and are capable of growing at pH levels up to and above 10 (Hayward, 1968;Humphrey, 1975;Goldman, 1976), even though their pH optima are closer to 8 (Kain, 1958 a,b;1960;Hayward, 1968).…”

“…Work at the Trebon mass culture laboratories of Czechoslovokia was addressed towards answering some of the fundamental questions of" CO 2 mass transfer and diffusion of liquid cultures of growing algae (Necas and Lhotsky, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1970, and althoug~ significant -17 technological advances were made in these studies, once again no account ing was made for the effects of alkalinity and pH on the efficiency of CO 2 transfer and use. In some experiments 60 percent utilization effi ciencies were achieved, however.…”