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Autoradiographic screening for potential heterotrophs in natural algal populations of Lake Kinneret

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Abstract

Microautoradiography was used to screen natural phytoplankton populations from Lake Kinneret for their ability to take up radioactive organic substrates (glucose, acetic acid, amino acids, and glycollic acid. Several of the important Chlorophyta (Pediastrum spp.,Actinastrum hantzschii, Kirchncriella spp.,Coelastrum spp.,Scenedesmus spp., andTetraëdron spp.) and Cyanophyta (Microcystis spp.,Merismopedia sp.,Chroococcus spp., andAnabaena spp.) showed consistent organic uptake. However, the principal bloom former, the dinoflagellatePeridinium cinctum fawestii and most of the pelagic algae observed, never assimilated any of the above substrates. Autoradiographic surveys permit rapid screening of algal populations for species which are capable of taking up organic matter and can indicate potential facultative heterotrophs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Haifa Laboratories, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research Ltd., P. O. B. 1793, Haifa, Israel

    Utsa Pollingher

  2. Kinneret Limnological Laboratory, P. O. B. 345, Tiberias, Israel

    T. Berman

Authors
  1. Utsa Pollingher
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  2. T. Berman
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Contribution No. 88 of the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research Ltd.

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Pollingher, U., Berman, T. Autoradiographic screening for potential heterotrophs in natural algal populations of Lake Kinneret. Microb Ecol 2, 252–260 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02011646

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