Microbial RNA and DNA Synthesis Derived from the Assimilation of [2, 3H]-Adenine

This chapter focuses on the protocols used to measure ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis in naturally occurring communities of microorganisms. The observed correlations between rates of stable RNA and DNA synthesis and cell growth are so universally applicable among unicellular microorganisms that they appear to be well suited for the analysis of complex communities such as one finds in nature. Consequently, measurements of total microbial RNA and DNA production should provide useful information regarding microbial growth and metabolism in nature. The uptake and incorporation of H-adenine as a measure of total microbial nucleic acid synthesis was first used in oceanographic field experiments by Karl. From the incorporation and precursor specific radioactivity data, the rates of RNA and DNA synthesis can be calculated and expressed as mass of adenine incorporated into RNA per unit volume per unit time.