Phytoplankton division rates in light-limited environments: two adaptations

Journal Article · Fri Feb 26 00:00:00 EST 1982 · Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.215.4536.1123· OSTI ID:6917374

Rivkin, R B; Voytek, M A; Seliger, H H

Red tide-forming dinoflagellates maximize cell numbers during periods of low light intensities in two ways. For short-term exposures to suboptimal light intensities such as might occur during recirculation in frontal convergences, cell division rates can be maintained at the expense of stored carbon for up to two generation times. During longer periods, corresponding to subsurface transport below a pycnocline, cell division rates eventually decrease as a portion of the fixed carbon is diverted to replenishing stored carbon. As a result, maximum rates of cell division can be resumed rapidly upon advection into surface waters where light intensities are optimal for growth.

• Research Organization: Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD
• OSTI ID: 6917374
• Journal Information: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States), Vol. 215
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
DIFFUSE SOLAR RADIATION
BIOLOGICAL ADAPTATION
DINOFLAGELLATE
CELL DIVISION
ANIMAL GROWTH
ENERGY ABSORPTION
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
SURFACE WATERS
ZOOPLANKTON
ABSORPTION
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
GROWTH
INVERTEBRATES
MASTIGOPHORA
MICROORGANISMS
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PLANKTON
PROTOZOA
RADIATIONS
SOLAR FLUX
SOLAR RADIATION
STELLAR RADIATION
SYNTHESIS
550300* - Cytology