It has become increasingly obvious that bacteria play a major role in the microbial food loop of the world's oceans. Considerable confusion has existed in the past as to whether microbes or protozoa play the major role in regenerating nitrogenous nutrients to fuel phytoplankton growth. This confusion stems from the lack of basic information on the nitrogen uptake characteristics of bacteria and the relationship between the supply and physiological requirements of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen. Dr. Goldman will continue his work towards addressing these fundamental questions. He will complete studies on nitrogen dynamics at very low growth rates: complete studies at very low substrate concentrations under carbon and nitrogen limiting conditions: examine the kinetics and energetics of multiple carbon and nitrogen substrate utilization: and determine the conditions under which nitrogen limitation and growth rate influence the formation of cell attachment by bacteria.
