Photosynthesis and Respiration of Three Blue-Green Algae.

Abstract

Reported herein is a study of certain salient features of photosynthesis and respiration in three blue-green algae, Anabaena variabilis, Anacystis nzidulans, and Nostoc muscorum G. Histories and brief descriptions of the three species are included in a previous report (2) which presented methods of culture and growth characteristics. Of the various bluegreen algae available in pure culture the species used were chosen because they suspend readily to give homogeneous suspensions which submit to ease of manipulation. The objectives of the study are twofold: first, to obtain information on metabolism of the blue-green algae, a group which has received only cursor- attention; and secondly, to develop a base of information which would allow use of a blue-green alga as a reliable experimental organism for studies on the process of photosynthesis. Because of the simplicity of their structure the blue-green algae appear especially desirable for studies on photosynthesis purstued to subeellular levels.