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On multiple-nutrient-limited growth of microorganisms, with special reference to dual limitation by carbon and nitrogen substrates

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Abstract

Simultaneous limitation of microbial growth by two or more nutrients is discussed for dual carbon/nitrogen-limited growth in continuous culture. The boundaries of the zone where double-limited growth occurs can be clearly defined from both cultivation data and cellular composition and they can be also predicted from growth yield data measured under single-substrate-limited conditions. It is demonstrated that for the two nutrients carbon and nitrogen the zone of double nutrient limitation is dependent on both the C:N ratio of the growth medium and the growth (dilution) rate. The concept on double-(carbon/nitrogen)-limited growth presented here can be extended to other binary and multiple combinations of nutrients.

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Egli, T. On multiple-nutrient-limited growth of microorganisms, with special reference to dual limitation by carbon and nitrogen substrates. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 60, 225–234 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00430367

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