Effect of mercuric ion on the growth, photosynthesis, and nitrogenase activity of Anabaena inaequalis

Journal Article · Sat Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5662637

Stratton, G W; Huber, A L; Corke, C T

Anabaena inaequalis was sensitive to mercuric ion (Hg/sup 2 +/) in the ppB (nanogram per milliliter) range. Growth was inhibited significantly at concentrations of metal ion as low as 2 ppB, and 100 ppB was required to inhibit photosynthesis and acetylene reduction. Low levels of Hg/sup 2 +/ stimulated acetylene reduction and photosynthesis. The lysis of vegetative cells was the primary action of mercuric ions, resulting in the inhibition of growth, photosynthesis, and nitrogenase activity. There was a linear relationship between numbers of cells and the amount of Hg/sup 2 +/ required to induce culture lysis. Calculated on the basis of equivalent cell numbers, Hg/sup 2 +/ was toxic to A. inaequalis at 0.006, 0.009, and 0.100 ..mu..g of Hg/sup 2 +/ per 10/sup 5/ cells for photosynthesis, growth, and acetylene reduction, respectively.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Guelph, Ontario
• OSTI ID: 5662637
• Journal Information: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States) Vol. 38:3; ISSN AEMID
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560302* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Microorganisms-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BACTERIA
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ELEMENTS
ENZYMES
GROWTH
MERCURY
METALS
MICROORGANISMS
NITROGENASES
OXIDOREDUCTASES
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
SYNTHESIS