ROLE OF MARINE FUNGI IN THE BIOCHEMISTRY OF THE OCEANS: III. GROWTH FACTOR REQUIREMENTS OF THE ASCOMYCETE HALOSPHAERIA MEDIOSETIGERA

Abstract

Certain growth factor requirements of the cellulolytic marine ascomycete, Halosphaeria mediosetigera, in glucose – inorganic salts media, have been determined. Yeast extract, containing required nutrilites, proved superior to other empirical mixtures in the support of mycelial growth. Aqueous extracts of several varieties of wood flour could not replace yeast extract. Gulf Stream seawater was unable to provide the necessary growth factors. An absolute requirement for 5 to 10 μg thiamine per liter has been demonstrated for maximal mycelial development. Further data showed a requirement for biotin which was both partial and transient.