The Glucose Uptake Kinetics of Some Marine Bacteria

The kinetics of glucose uptake by marine microbial populations have been investigated. Pure cultures were used in an attempt to define the conditions affecting uptake kinetics. The use of routine marine microbiological media did not isolate microorganisms capable of responding to the substrate levels that one might expect to find in the ocean, but a chemostat approach was successful in the isolation of such forms. Some factors affecting the uptake of glucose at very low levels were investigated. The kinetic approach with pure cultures has possible application as a bioassay method for substrates in low concentrations in seawater. The ecological significance of the investigation is discussed.