INFLUENCE OF POLYAMINES ON GROWTH AND METABOLISM OF DUNALIELLA-PRIMOLECTA

Addition of natural polyamines (putrescine, spermidine or spermine) to the culture medium stimulates growth of Dunaliella primolecta and res ults in an increased photosynthesis (+ 200%), chl a content (+ 300%) a nd ATP content (+ 182%). The results are compared with those induced b y synthetic polyamines, such as N,N'-bis (3-aminopropyl) diaminoethane (BAPDE) or 1,4,8,11,tetra-azacyclotetradecane (CYCLAM). BAPDE and CYC LAM increase photosynthesis, ATP level and chl a content to the same e xtent, but have a negative effect on the growth of the alga. The synth etic polyamines increase oxygen uptake, whereas the natural polyamines have no effect. These results are discussed in relation to the hypoth esis of polyamines acting as growth regulators or as nitrogen