THE RELEASE OF NANNOCYTES DURING THE GROWTH CYCLE OF MICROCYSTIS

Abstract

The change in nannocyte number during the growth of Microcystis under two light intensities (9,5 and 21 μEinsteins m⁻² sec⁻¹) over a period of 27 days were determined by a plating procedure. The nannocytes are released continuously over the growth period at both light intensities and not at high light intensity stress conditions only. It appears that nannocytes are not produced as a reaction to stress, but acts as a means of reproduction. A possible mechanism for the release of nannocytes from the cell is discussed.