Turnover of Galactosylglycerol and Osmotic Balance in Ochromonas

Abstract

Osmotic balance in Ochromonas malhamensis is mediated directly by fluctuations in the pool size of α-galactosylglycerol (isofloridoside). Chase experiments with glucose-¹⁴C indicate that the pool is in rapid turnover even at constant size. The turnover rate is related to the pool size. Regulation of the pool size seems to occur at enzymic steps involved in the formation, as well as those involved in the degradation of isofloridoside.