Metabolic activities of the intestinal microflora of a deep-sea invertebrate.
The intestinal microflora of deep-sea amphipods, in enrichment culture employing starch, urea, and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine and when examined under simulated in situ conditions, exhibited growth rates and substrate conversion approximately equal to, or greater than, atmospheric controls during short-term incubation. These observations are significant since these microorganisms may play an important role in biodegradation in the deep sea.
Schwarz
J R
JR
Department of Microbiology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742.
Yayanos
A A
AA
Colwell
R R
RR