Effects of pH on the growth rate, motility and photosynthesis in Euglena gracilis

Folia Microbiol (Praha). 2001;46(6):549-54. doi: 10.1007/BF02818001.

Abstract

The influence of pH 3-10 on the growth, motility and photosynthesis in Euglena gracilis was demonstrated during a 7-d cultivation. The cells did not survive at pH < 4 and > 8, highest growth rate being detected at pH 7. Motility followed a similar pattern as growth rate. Photosynthetic response curves were shown to be of the same type over the whole pH range. High respiration was characteristic for cells grown at pH 5 and 6, the lowest one at 7. At high and also at low pH more active respiration was found which can be considered as a protective response on proton stress. Respiration was not completely inhibited with potassium cyanide. Photosynthesis was the most effective at pH 6; lower and higher pH decreased photosynthetic efficiency. pH affected more the growth rate than the photosynthesis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Euglena gracilis / growth & development
  • Euglena gracilis / physiology*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Movement
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Photosynthesis*
  • Potassium Cyanide

Substances

  • Potassium Cyanide