Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Abstract Determination of low molecular weight carbohydrates in marine environments indicated that 1-O-β-D-galactosylglycerol, 6-O-α-D-galactosyl-1-O-β-D-galacto-sylglycerol, sucrose, laminaribiose and laminaritriose are widely distributed in seawaters, suspended and sinking particles, and sediments in coastal as well as in deep-sea waters [e.g. Mikawa Bay and Sagami Bay, Kumano Nada (offshore Japan), and northwest North Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea and Antarctic Ocean: collections during 1978–1984]. Identification of these glycosylglycerols and oligosaccharides in algal cells such as a flagellate (Olisthodisus luteus), blue-green algae (e.g.Trichodesmium sp.) and a diatom (Reptocylindrus denicus) strongly suggests that these sugars are photosynthetically produced by algae in the euphotic zone and are then rapidly transported to the deep sea as sinking particles which can be collected by sediment-trap experiments. The rapid decay rate of low molecular weight carbohydrates by microorganisms suggests that the transported sugars provide energy substrates for microorganisms living in the deep sea.
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