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Appl Environ Microbiol. 1968 June; 16(6): 871-876
Copyright © 1968 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Effect of Ion Concentration on the Rupture and Survival of Azotobacter Cysts

Microbiology Department, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712

ABSTRACT

The ability of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and dipicolinic acid (DPA) to rupture Azotobacter cysts was directly related to the molarity of the reaction mixture. Cysts were not ruptured at concentrations above 0.15 M (NaCl or phosphate). These higher salt concentrations prevented the formation of metallo:EDTA (or DPA) chelate complexes. Sudden shifts in the tonicity of NaCl or phosphate mixtures induced cyst rupture in the absence of EDTA. The effect of these mechanisms on the survival and germination of Azotobacter cysts in the soil is discussed.

¹ Present address: Research Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, Texas Medical Center, Houston, Tex. 77025.