In the present study the light dependent biosynthesis of spherical red elemental selenium Se(0) granules (average size of 220 nm) by the cyanobacterium Synechococcus leopoliensis when exposed to high selenite concentrations for 9 days was investigated. The particles were identified as Se(0) by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis and were localized between the periplasmic space and the cell surface through light and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The amount of selenite reduced to Se(0) increased with increasing culture density and less selenite remained in the cultures accordingly. Selenite treated cultures lost their characteristic pigments and turned from green to orange by day 5 and a concomitant increase in the buoyant cell density was observed over the treatment period. The potential abiotic and biotic reactions that may have produced Se(0) in the cyanobacteria are discussed. / Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-17 15:38:14.29
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OKQ.1974/7481 |
| Date | 18 September 2012 |
| Creators | HNAIN, ANTOINE |
| Contributors | Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.). Theses (Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.)) |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner. |
| Relation | Canadian theses |
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