Abstract
Photosynthesis in whole plants of the intertidal alga Ascophyllum nodosum ecad scorpiodes was evaluated by measuring 14C-uptake under a variety of light intensities and approximately monthly intervals during a 15 month study. Photosynthetic rates were determined in terms of dry weight, pigment content and uptake into ethanolsoluble and insoluble fractions. The specimens, naturally acclimated to in situ light intensities and temperatures, exhibited photosynthetic responses to light intensity which differed with time of year. Maximum photosynthetic potential occurred during the spring months and minimum potential occurred during late summer and winter months. Variations in photosynthetic potential were closely related to seasonal changes in field biomass. Both photosynthetic potential and biomass were inversely related to growth patterns of the salt-marsh phanerogam Spartina alternilora.
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Communicated by M.R. Tripp, Newark
This research was supported by Research Grant AG-375 from the National Science Foundation and, in part, by the State University of New York Research Foundation and the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA).
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Brinkhuis, B.H. Seasonal variations in salt-marsh macroalgae photosynthesis. I. Ascophyllum nodosum ecad scorpioides . Mar. Biol. 44, 165–175 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00386956
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00386956