Photosynthate distribution by microplankton in permanently ice-covered Antarctic desert lakes
The distribution of /sup 14/C-labeled photosynthate by microplankton in Lakes Vanda and Fryxell, Antarctica, was measured during the 1984-1985 austral summer. Both lakes had conspicuous deep chlorophyll maxima near the bottom of the oxygenated zone. DCMU sensitivity experiments revealed that photosynthesis below the chlorophyll maximum in Lake Fryxell was partially due to photosynthetic bacteria. These bacteria had notably higher protein and lower lipid labeling than overlying oxic microalgae. Protein labeling in the oxic microalgae had lower I/sub k/ and higher ..cap alpha.. values than for other photosynthetic end products, indicating that protein is synthesized more efficiently at low photosynthetic photon flux density than the other metabolites. The I/sub k/ values for complete photosynthesis are among the lowest yet recorded for phytoplankton.
- Research Organization:
- Montana State Univ., Bozeman
- OSTI ID:
- 6586535
- Journal Information:
- Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States), Vol. 32:1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
CARBON 14 COMPOUNDS
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
UPTAKE
PHYTOPLANKTON
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
ANTARCTICA
LAKES
POPULATION DYNAMICS
ANTARCTIC REGIONS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DISTRIBUTION
LABELLED COMPOUNDS
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PLANKTON
POLAR REGIONS
SURFACE WATERS
SYNTHESIS
140505* - Solar Energy Conversion- Photochemical
Photobiological
& Thermochemical Conversion- (1980-)
560140 - Radiation Effects on Plants