A synthetic growth medium for the green alga acetabularia mediterranea

Abstract

A simple, synthetic growth medium for the green alga Acetabularia mediterranea Lamouroux is developed. The medium is based on a commercial sea salt mixture. Except for sodium nitrate no other additives are necessary for optimal growth. The cells display a normal morphogenesis while passing through the developmental cycle. The growth response, chlorophyll and protein synthesis are similar to those of cells grown in the classic ErdSchreiber medium based on natural sea-water. The synthetic sea-water supplemented with nitrate only has proved to be suitable for the long term maintenance of the cells into the following generation. This medium might be adaptable for the culture of other species of green algae. © 1984 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.