The growth and the uptake rate for the diatom P. tricornutum were determined in function of nitrate and ammonium concentration. Also the fluorescence "in vivo" of the diatom culture was compared to the cell number in the culture growing at different concentrations and sources of nitrogen. The growth rate was determined as chlorophyll-a synthesis, cell number and inorganic carbon assimilation in the photosynthesis. The uptake rate was determined as nitrate and ammonium consumed. Inhibition on the 14C assimilation rate was observed with nitrate addition into the incubation flasks.