Dissolved organic nitrogen hydrolysis rates in axenic cultures of Aureococcus anophagefferens (Pelagophyceae): comparison with heterotrophic bacteria.

The marine autotroph Aureococcus anophagefferens (Pelagophyceae) was rendered axenic in order to investigate hydrolysis rates of peptides, chitobiose, acetamide, and urea as indicators of the ability to support growth on dissolved organic nitrogen. Specific rates of hydrolysis varied between 8 and 700% of rates observed in associated heterotrophic marine bacteria.