ABSTRACT
Two common approaches for estimating bacterial production, the thymidine (TdR) and leucine methods, share the same problem in relating incorporation rates to accurate rates of bacterial production that is cells produced per unit volume or area per unit time. Although TdR incorporation rates are higher when protein is included, the empirical factor would be lower and thus, the net result would be the correct estimate of bacterial production when the rates are multiplied by the empirical conversion factor. The resulting factors for relating incorporation rates to bacterial production are often referred to as "theoretical conversion factors". Conversion factor experiments require the same materials as are needed for measuring thymidine or leucine incorporation rates and microbial abundance. In addition, the following are needed: large nitrocellulose filters, filter apparatus to filter large volumes, large incubation vessel and the various bottles to hold water during filtration.
