Dissolved Cycllc Adenosine Monophosphate (CAMP) in the Sea and Uptake of CAMP by Marine Bacteria

Abstract

Dissolved cAMP was measured in coastal seawater. Concentrations ranged from 1-35 .times. 10-12 M, being greatest in nearshore surface samples and from early evening-early morning. Dissolved cAMP was rapidly taken up intact by natural populations of marine bacteria, evidently via high affinity transport systems. Much higher concentrations were found in sediments. Presumed sources of dissolved cAMP are planktonic organisms (bacteria, algae, zooplankton, etc.). cAMP was measurable in the plankton. Uptake of cAMP from seawater apparently increases the intracellular concentration of cAMP in marine bacteria and may play a role in their metabolic regulation.