The Adaptation of Plankton Algae II. Aspects of the Temperature Adaptation of Skeletonema costatum.

The theory that Skeletonema cells adapt to lower temperatures by increasing their enzyme concentration, is supported by various facts. While the rates of photo- synthesis are identical in cells adapted to different temperatures (7-20°C) the growth rate decreases with decreasing temperature and the production of organic matter increases with decreasing temperature. Further, the concentration of protein per cell and the height of the cells increase with decreasing temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]