phytoplankton cell clumping

From: John Mahoney (John.Mahoney@NOAA.gov)
Date: Tue Mar 07 2000 - 15:58:53 EST


I'm using an immunofluorescence procedure and microscope to count field
samples of picoplankton cells, 2-3 um diameter, (Aureococcus
anophagefferens "brown tide").  Clumping of cells or embedding of cells
in detritus can result in a big error.  I've tried several detergents to
separate the cells; Aquet at 2% is best so far; gentle vortex mixing in
combination with detergent also helps.  Aureococcus excretes
mucopolysaccharide.  I'd appreciate advice on separation of the
glutaraldehyde-fixed but relatively delicate cells.  Thank you, John
Mahoney



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