Photosynthetic response of phytoplankton to light: a physiological model

• Published in: Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences Vol. 219; no. 1217; pp. 355 - 370
• Main Authors: Fasham, Michael John Robert, Platt, Trevor
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London The Royal Society 22-10-1983; Royal Society of London
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; aquatic organisms; Biological and medical sciences; Chlorophylls; Ecological modeling; Electrons; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Irradiance; Marine ecology; Mathematical independent variables; mathematics and statistics; Molecules; Photoinhibition; Photosynthesis; Phytoplankton; plant biochemistry; plant physiology; Sea water ecosystems; Synecology; Marine environment; Light effect; Models; Photosynthesis; Phytoplancton
• ISSN: 0080-4649; 2053-9193
• DOI: 10.1098/rspb.1983.0078

A theoretical representation is developed for the relationship between photosynthesis and light in phytoplankton, based on a simple model of processes associated with electron flow through photosystem II. Photoinhibition is represented as an impediment to this electron flow. Examples are shown of fits to various typical light saturation curves for natural assemblages of marine phytoplankton. An important parameter is the size of the photosynthetic unit of PSII. This feature facilitates discussion of photoadaptation in terms of changes in the light saturation curves consequent on modifications in the number and/or size of the photosynthetic units.