Influence of yeast quality
on performance of gnotobiotically grown Artemia
A. Marques, J.-M. François, J. Dhont, P. Bossier, P.
Sorgeloos-2004
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 310(2): 247-264
Abstract:
Using axenically grown Artemia, a model system
was developed to evaluate the effect of bacteria on the survival and
development of this crustacean. Two strains of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces
cerevisiae) were used in all experiments as feed for Artemia: a
wild-type strain and its mnn9 mutant, defective in the synthesis of
mannoproteins in the outer cell wall. The genetic background, yeast growth
phase and growth medium appeared to be important parameters determining the
quality of yeast cells as feed for Artemia. A strong positive
correlation between Artemia performance and the yeast cell wall
chitin and glucan content was obtained, while the mannoprotein content was
negatively correlated. Mnn9 yeast cells grown till exponential phase in
minimal medium proved to be excellent feed for Artemia, yielding an
average 95% survival and 4-mm growth after 6 days at 28 °C, which is
comparable to the best results obtained with algal feed. The standard growth
test yields highly reproducible results and can become an excellent tool to
study the mode of action of bacteria. Furthermore, yeast cell viability and
the method used to kill/sterilize the cells are important parameters
influencing nauplii performance.