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Does iron inhibit cryptoendolithic microbial communities?Photosynthetic activity of three cryptoendolithic microbial communities was studied under controlled conditions in the laboratory. In two of these communities, the dominant organisms were lichens, collected from Linnaeus Terrace and from Battleship Promontory. The third community, dominated by cyanobacteria, was collected from Battleship Promontory. Both sites are in the ice-free valleys of southern Victoria Land. Previous efforts have shown how physical conditions can influence metabolic activity in endolithic communities (Kappen and Friedmann 1983; Kappen, Friedmann, and Garty 1981; Vestal, Federle, and Friedmann 1984). Biological activity can also be strongly influenced by the chemical environment. Inorganic nutrients such as nitrate, ammonia, and phosphate are often limiting factors, so their effects on photosynthetic carbon-14 bicarbonate incorporation were investigated. Iron and manganese are two metals present in Linnaeus Terrace and Battleship Promontory sandstones, and their effects on photosynthesis were also studied. The results may add to our understanding of biogeochemical interactions within this unique microbial community.
Document ID
20040090087
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Johnston, C. G.
(University of Cincinnati Ohio 45221-0006, United States)
Vestal, J. R.
Friedmann, E. I.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1988
Publication Information
Publication: Antarctic journal of the United States / National Science Foundation
Volume: 21
Issue: 5
ISSN: 0003-5335
Subject Category
Exobiology
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: DPP 83-14180
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Exobiology
NASA Program Exobiology
NASA Discipline Number 52-30

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