Dry to wet weight biomass conversion constant for Tetrahymena elliotti (Ciliophora, Protozoa)

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Abstract
The wet and dry weights of both axenic and monoxenic cultures of the ciliate Tetrahymena were determined directly. These estimates are dependent upon the method of volume determination. Assuming a prolate spheroidal shape for the ciliate, we calculate a mean wet weight of 0.4157±0.0713 pg μm-3 and a mean dry weight of 0.2793±0.0652 pg μm-3. Using electronic cell sizing, our estimates are 0.7869±0.1659 pg μm-3 and 0.5239±0.1101 pg μm-3, respectively. Independent of the method of volume determination, we estimate a mean biomass conversion ratio (dry weight/wet weight) of 0.59±0.08.