Mjw. Veldhuis et Gw. Kraay, Application of flow cytometry in marine phytoplankton research: current applications and future perspectives, SCI MAR, 64(2), 2000, pp. 121-134
A brief overview is given of current applications of flow cytometry (FCM) i
n marine phytoplankton research. This paper presents a selection of highlig
hts and various technical and analytical problems we encountered during the
past 10 years. In particular, the conversion of the relative values obtain
ed in terms of size and fluorescence applying FCM to quantitative estimates
of cell size, pigment concentration, genome size etc., is addressed. The i
ntroduction of DNA-cell-cycle analysis made easily assessable by flow cytom
etry has been of great importance, allowing in situ measurement of species
specific growth rates. Key questions in ecology such as factors determining
the wax and wane of phytoplankton bloom can now be better answered in term
s of species specific growth and mortality. Finally, flow cytometry provide
s derailed information of the physiological status of the individual algal
cells. New staining methods enable us to distinguish between viable and non
-viable cells and so will help us to elucidate the importance of "automorta
lity" in aquatic ecosystems.