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The starvation-survival state of microorganisms in nature and its relationship to the bioavailable energy

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Summary

Although one can measure the organic matter in various ecosystems in terms of organic carbon, this measurement does not indicate what portion of the organic carbon is bioavailable to the microorganisms. Most organic matter is recalcitrant and, therefore, most microorganisms do not have sufficient energy to carry on their metabolism for growth and reproduction. As a result, many species of bacteria will form ultramicrocells and enter a physiological state known as starvation-survival. This physiological state results in metabolic arrest which permits the organisms to survive for long periods of time without sufficient energy for growth and reproduction.

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  1. Department of Microbiology, College of Science, and College of Oceanography, Oregon State University, 97331-3804, Corvallis, Oregon, USA

    R. Y. Morita

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Technical paper No. 8920, Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station.

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Morita, R.Y. The starvation-survival state of microorganisms in nature and its relationship to the bioavailable energy. Experientia 46, 813–817 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01935530

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