EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENT ON GROWTH AND CAROTENOGENESIS OF SARCINA LITORALIS

Abstract

The effect of some environmental factors on growth and carotenogenesis of S. litoralis has been studied. Both the growth and carotenoid formation appear to be maximum at the same values of pH and sodium chloride concentration of the medium and temperature of incubation. The optimum relative humidity for growth and carotenoid formation differ slightly. Diffused daylight is found to have no effect either on growth or on carotenogenesis. Maximum growth takes place within a much shorter period of incubation than required for maximum carotenoid formation. Carotenogenesis of S. litoralis is influenced by oxygen.Ultraviolet light (2537 Å) prevents both growth and carotenogenesis of S. litoralis. Inhibition of carotenoid synthesis is found to be related to the time of exposure to ultraviolet light except when irradiated for a very short period.