Induction of conjugation in Mougeotia
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The alga Mougeotia, strain 164.80, from the algae collection of the University of Göttingen, can be stimulated into sexual reproduction by decreasing the concentration of nitrate in the growth medium from 10−2 to 10−3 M. This effect could not be observed at any other concentration. To initiate the sexual process, cultures were illuminated with an intensity of 550 foot candles. Aeration of the cultures was absolutely necessary. Conjugation started 6 or 9 days after limitation of the nitrogen supply, depending on the CO2 content in the aeration mixture. From the characteristics observed during conjugation, strain 164.80 was identified to be Mougeotia scalaris Hassall.
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