GROWTH AND LUMINESCENCE OF LUMINOUS BACTERIA PROMOTED BY AGENTS OF MICROBIAL ORIGIN

The examination of four species of luminous bacteria Photobacterium le iognathi, Photobacterium phosphoreum, Vibrio fischeri and Vibrio harve yi has enabled us to reveal some nutrient medium components effecting growth, luminescence intensity and luciferase synthesis. These agents are nucleic components (nucleotides, nucleosides and amine bases), ami no acids and vitamins, which are part of hydrolysates from the biomass of various lithotrophic microorganisms, hydrogen-oxidizing, iron-oxid izing and carboxydobacteria. The effect of promoting agents essentiall y alters the physiological state and ultrastructure of the cells of lu minous bacteria and increases luciferase biosynthesis two- to three-fo ld compared to a control.