Growth of Fungi in Sea Water Medium

The effect of sea water on protein synthesis and growth of some species of Fungi Imperfecti was investigated. The dry weight of mycelia was greater from sea water medium than from distilled water medium in most instances; however, in a few there was a marked reduction in growth. The beneficial effect could not be ascribed to sodium choride or phosphate ion but may be due to the magnesium ion in sea water. This is indicated by the increase in mycelial yield and protein synthesis, even above that obtained with sea water, when magnesium ion was added to the medium. The reduction in yield and protein synthesis in some instances may be attributed to metal interactions; this possibility is being investigated further.