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Survival of Chromatium vinosum at low light intensities

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Abstract

The effect of low irradiation on the viability of Chromatium vinosum was investigated. Cultures were precultivated at 1,000 lux (μ=0.1/h). Then, before the substrate was depleted, illumination was changed to either complete darkness or about 30 lux. Previously, the latter light intensity had been found not to promote growth.

The parameters assayed were viability, protein, bacteriochlorophyll, ATP, RNA, DNA, absorbance (E 260) of the supernatant, and total anthron-positive material.

The data show that irradiation insufficiently high to promote growth, results in viability percentages as high as 90% after 8 days, whereas cultures incubated in complete darkness are virtually dead by then. Neither in the light nor in the dark a degradation of protein or cell wall hexoses was observed. The RNA content also remained constant. However, particularly in the dark cultures DNA was found to decrease concomitant with increased E 260 readings of the supernatant. It is considered unlikely that such essential macromolecules are degraded to serve the maintenance energy requirements. The ecological impact of the observations is discussed.

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Abbreviations

PHB:

poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid

Bchl:

Bacteriochlorophyll

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  1. Department of Microbiology, University of Groningen, Kerklaan 30, 9751 NN, Haren, The Netherlands

    Hans van Gemerden

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van Gemerden, H. Survival of Chromatium vinosum at low light intensities. Arch. Microbiol. 125, 115–121 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00403207

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