Effect of iron limitation on cells of the diatom Cyclotella meneghiniana Kützing*

The response of the Baltic diatom Cyclotella meneghiniana to iron deficiency was examined. The following growth parameters were measured: cell number, chlorophyll a and protein content. The results demonstrate the ability of this diatom to grow well with minimal iron availability; however, the rate of growth fell markedly at the lowest iron(III) concentration. The results of spectrophotometric chlorophyll a measurements and protein assays using the Lowry and Bradford methods indicated a significant decrease in their quantities. Iron may therefore be an important regulatory factor controlling the growth of diatom C. meneghiniana in an aquatic ecosystem.