Aspects of the Physiology of the Blue-Green Algae

Citation

Sargent, Marston Cleaves (1934) Aspects of the Physiology of the Blue-Green Algae. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/8pp8-k146. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:05102018-090737965

Abstract

Summary:

Two coccus-form species of blue-green algae have been isolated in species-pure culture and cultivated on a number of solid and liquid media. For one species, a medium of strictly-known composition has been developed.

The principal characteristics of the process of assimilation in these algae have been studied by the manometric method. The process is essentially like that in other green plants. The shape of the curve relating assimilation to light intensity gives an indication that the blue-pigment of the Cyanophyceae does not take part in photosynthesis.

A study of the relation of the color of a blue-green alga to environmental conditions shows that the color depends principally on the chemical constitution of the medium and the intensity of incident light. Temperature and light color may have minor effects.

Thesis Files