Chlorella pyrenoidosa 7-11-05 in batch and in homogeneous continuous culture under autotrophic conditions

The cell content of substances (proteins, nucleic acids and chlorophylls) which play a significant role in growth processes in algae was used to characterize the physiological state of a continuous culture ofChlorella pyrenoidosa. The ratio of the various components of the cell content did not alter significantly with changes in the dilution rate. An increase in the mean cell volume was accompanied by a proportional increase in the amount of the various components. Their respective dry weight concentrations rose with the dilution rate and after reaching a maximum either fell or remained constant. The specific rates of synthesis of the given substances tended to rise, i.e. maximum activity of the culture was not attained. Deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis appears to be the endogenous factor limiting growth of the culture. The proportion of the individual nucleic acid fractions was compared with protein synthesis.