Response of a freshwater green alga, Stigeoclonium tenue Kuetz., to varying concentrations of calcium.

Date

3-1997

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Major Course

Major in Cell Biology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Milagrosa, R. Martinez-Goss

Abstract

LAGARDE, MA. JUDITH RAMOS. Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines at Los Barlos. March, 1997. Response of a frehwater green alga, Stigeoclonium tenue Kuetz., to Varying Concentrations of Calcium

Adviser : Dr. Milagrosa R. Martinez - Goss

ABSTRACT

A mucilaginous, colony -forming green alga, Stigeoclonium tenue, was observed for the first time in a wetland ricefield in Magallanes, Sorsogon. The freshwater green alga collected from the field was described in situ. Its morpho-cytological features in varying concentrations of calcium, using calcium carbonate (CaCo3) as source of calcium, was studied in vitro. The bright green macrocolonies were bullate and irregularly - shaped. Microscopy and photomicrography showed that the alga exhibited a heterotrichous habit with the prostrate portion giving rise to various erect filaments. Dichotomous and opposite branches were observed with the former occurring more frequently at the apical end of the filaments. Chloroplast were either parietal or just zonate with a single to several pyrenoids embeded within it. Barrel - shaped cells massive chloroplasts located near the apical ends of filaments were presumed as sporangial cells. There was a decrease in the angle of divergence of the branches as calcium concentration increased. Hairy outgrowths and width of gelatinous sheath. inclusive of the trichome, increased with increasing calcium concentration. There was a direct relationship between the chlorophyll a and h and the amount of calcium in the medium over 28 days. The alga showed best growth in 120 mg/l of calcium after 28 days. There was no significant change in fresh weight among the different concentrations of calcium over time.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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