Effect of iron limitation on cells of the diatom Cyclotella meneghiniana Kützing

Abstract

The response of the Baltic diatom Cyclotella meneghiniana to iron deficiency was examined. The following growth parameters were measured: cell number, chlorophyll a and protein content. The results demonstrate the ability of this diatom to grow well with minimal iron availability; however, the rate of growth fell markedly at the lowest iron(III) concentration. The results of spectrophotometric chlorophyll a measurements and protein assays using the Lowry and Bradford methods indicated a significant decrease in their quantities. Iron may therefore be an important regulatory factor controlling the growth of diatom C. meneghiniana in an aquatic ecosystem.

Keywords

• Iron
• Cyclotella meneghiniana
• Growth
• Chlorophyll <i>a</i>
• Protein
• Baltic Sea