Direct Assimilation of Organic Carbon by Ceratodon Purpureus

Abstract

1. Under the conditions of the experiments reported organic carbon in the form of levulose, glucose, galactose, lactose, cane sugar, and maltose is absorbed and utilized by Ceratodon purpureus. 2. Starch is formed in the dark from levulose, glucose, galactose, lactose, cane sugar, and maltose. 3. Mannite, glycerine, and starch cannot be utilized by this moss. 4. The amount of growth with levulose as the source of carbonis 2-7 times greater than that with glucose as the source of carbon. 5. In the presence of levulose the greater amount of growth occurs in the dark. With glucose the greater amount of growth occurs in the light. 6. Light seems to be necessary for the formation of moss plants, even though available carbohydrate is furnished.