Measurement of enzymatic activity of meiobenthic organisms: methodology and ecological application
Faubel, A.; Meyer-Reil, L.-A. (1983). Measurement of enzymatic activity of meiobenthic organisms: methodology and ecological application. Cah. Biol. Mar. 24(1): 35-49 In: Cahiers de Biologie Marine. Station Biologique de Roscoff: Paris. ISSN 0007-9723; e-ISSN 2262-3094, more | |
Authors | | Top | - Faubel, A., more
- Meyer-Reil, L.-A.
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Abstract | Proteolytic and hydrolytic ( alpha -amylase, beta -D-glucosidase) activity measurements were the major indices examined in this study to determine trends in decomposing organic material by meiofauna organisms from natural sediment samples, and to determine that part of decomposition which is originated by meiofauna and micro-organisms, respectively. The share of degradation rate of meiobenthic organisms according to beta -D-glucosidase activity amounts to about a third of the total activity. In a field experiment in the Kiel Bight ("Hausgarten", June 1980), Oligochaeta (Lumbricillus lineatus, Grania postclitellochaeta, Peloscolex benedeni ) and Nemertini (Cephalothrix sp.) were investigated for their activity of digestion over a diurnal cycle. The results reveal that the decomposition of carbohydrates ( alpha -amylase activity) in Oligochaeta and Cephalothrix sp. follow a diurnal cycle showing maximum activity during morning and noon. |
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