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New Biological Effect of the Gases of the Helium Group
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|May 18, 1962
Abstract:
The mold Neurospora crassa ATCC 5297a was grown in gaseous environments of helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, or nitrogen containing approximately 5 percent oxygen. A close correlation of the growth rate R (in millimeters per hour at 30 degrees C) with the molecular weight MW of the chemically inert gas was observed. This correlation is described by the empirical equation: R = 3.88 - 0.1785 (MW).
Insights
The mold Neurospora crassa
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Neurospora crassa is a model organism for studying fungal growth and metabolism.
- Gaseous environments can significantly impact microbial physiology and growth rates.
- Understanding these impacts is crucial for various biotechnological and ecological applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of different inert gases on the growth rate of Neurospora crassa.
- To establish a quantitative relationship between the molecular weight of inert gases and fungal growth.
Main Methods:
- Culturing Neurospora crassa ATCC 5297a under controlled conditions.
- Exposing the mold to various chemically inert gases (helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, nitrogen) with 5% oxygen.
- Measuring the growth rate (R) in millimeters per hour at 30 degrees C.
Main Results:
- A direct correlation was observed between the growth rate (R) and the molecular weight (MW) of the inert gases.
- The empirical equation R = 3.88 - 0.1785 (MW) describes this relationship.
- Higher molecular weight inert gases were associated with slower growth rates.
Conclusions:
- The molecular weight of inert gases is a significant factor influencing Neurospora crassa growth.
- This finding provides a predictive model for fungal growth under different gaseous conditions.
- The results have implications for optimizing fungal cultivation and understanding environmental interactions.
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