Publication Date

1972

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Lynch, Darrel L.||Starzyk, Marvin J.||Fenwick, Mason G., 1921-2004

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Biological Sciences

LCSH

Coelastrum microporum Naeg; Methyl mercury chloride; Photosynthesis

Abstract

Experiments were conducted with Coelastrum microporum Naeg. strain 280 to determine the effects of different levels of methyl mercury chloride on their photosynthesis as determined by rate of C02 absorption. A level of .0008 ppm methyl mercury chloride was the only concentration tested that gave pH changes high enough to be recorded with the pH meter. Concentration of .0008 ppm methyl mercury chloride resulted in a slightly higher respiration rate and a slightly lower rate of apparent photosynthesis. However, the gross photosynthetic rate was slightly higher than those of the controls. Growth in Coelastrum microporum Naeg. strain 280 was partially inhibited by .003 and. .006 ppm methyl mercury chloride. However, ,0008 ppm methyl mercury chloride did not inhibit growth in C. microporum. There was a greater accumulation of starch noted in the cells of Coelastrum treated with the higher concentrations of mercury. The cells of Coelastrum were less bouyant in the higher concentrations of methyl mercury chloride. The course of apparent photosynthesis in Coelastrum showed a peak in the morning hours followed by a depression and a subsequent recovery of approximately equal size. Reduction in light intensity and the addition of CaCO3 resulted in one larger peak in the morning hours followed by two smaller peaks. Streptomycin sulfate reduced the chlorophyll content in cultures of Coelastrum microporum Naeg. strain 280 and Bracteacoccus cinnabarinus (Kol et F. Chod.) Starr.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.||Includes illustrations.

Extent

64 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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