Research on the Colonial Asidian, Botrylloides digensis, with Special Attention to Uptake of Glycine C14

The general features of the accumulation of amino acids from dilute solutions by marine organisms are outlined. It is noted that this ability is wide-spread among various marine life forms. The experimental animal, Botrylloides digensis, is discussed. It is shown that both the larval and adult stages remove glycine C14 from dilute solution. Evidence for the transport of glycine C14 through a colony of B. digensis is given. Measurements of the nitrogen content, free amino acid content and oxygen consumption of B. digensis are presented. The possible biological significance of the uptake of dissolved organic material by this animal is discussed