The effect of different nitrogen and carbon sources on amino acid synthesis in Ulva,Dictyota and Pterocladia

Summary This investigation includes a study of the effect of ammonium salt, nitrate and urea as nitrogen sources; vitamin B₆ as cofactor in transamination, and of acetate, pyruvate and glucose as carbon sources on the dry weight, total nitrogen and amino acid synthesis in Ulva, Dictyota and Pterocladia. The results showed that urea and to a lesser extent ammonium salt were better nitrogen sources for either Ulva or Pterocladia, while ammonium salt was best for Dictyota. Vitamin B₆ was effective in transaminations and resynthesis of amino acids in the three marine algae, especially Ulva. Pyruvate was a better carbon source than either acetate or glucose in increasing dry weights, total nitrogen and amino acid synthesis in Ulva and Dictyota, whereas acetate was best in Pterocladia.