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Osmoregulation in themarine diatom Cylindrotheca fusiformis

Journal Article · · J. Phycol.; (United States)
A mechanism for the regulation of internal osmolarity in the diatoms (Bacillariophyta) was investigated using the intertidal/estuarian pennate diatom, Cylindrotheca fusiformis Reimann and Lewin. The intracellular pools of the free sugar, mannose, and its respective polymer, polymannose, were found to be in a dynamic equilibrium which rapidly responds to changes in external osmotic pressure. Increasing the salinity shifts the steady state in the direction of free mannose, while decreasing the salinity stimulates polymerization of the free mannose to its polysaccharide. The mechanism requires a response of certain key enzymes to osmotic pressure rather than to levels of any particular ion since increasing the external osmolarity with an organic solute (sorbital) was as effective in eliciting a response as using inorganic ions.
Research Organization:
Univ. of California, Berkeley
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
5537398
Journal Information:
J. Phycol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Phycol.; (United States) Vol. 15:3; ISSN JPYLA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English