The photosynthetic characteristics of red coralline algae, determined using pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) fluorometry
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Heidi L. Burdett
,
Sebastian J. Hennige
Abstract
Interest in red coralline algae is increasing due to their projected sensitivity to ocean acidification and their utility as palaeoenvironmental proxies. Thus, it is crucial to obtain a thorough understanding of their basic photosynthetic characteristics and appropriate techniques for use in both laboratory and in situ studies. This study provides fluorescence methodology and data for the ecologically important red coralline alga Lithothamnion glaciale using pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) fluorometry. Lithothamnion glaciale was sufficiently dark-acclimated for in situ work following 10 s of quasi-darkness, attaining 95–98% of the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm). Rapid light curves conducted in situ and in the laboratory determined a low light adaptation, with a saturation intensity of 4.45–54.6 μmol photons m-2 s-1. Intra-thallus heterogeneity was observed between branch tips and bases (i.e., within the thallus) using a custom-made 2 mm fibre optic probe (the heterogeneity could not be detected using the standard 5 mm probe). Branch bases were lower light acclimated than the tips, with higher maximum effective quantum yield (Fq′/Fm′max) and lower non-photochemical quenching. Samples measured in May were higher light acclimated than in March, which suggests a degree of seasonal acclimation. Light history and photon irradiance levels were thus found to significantly affect the photosynthetic characteristics of L. glaciale.
©2012 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin Boston
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Articles in the same Issue
- Masthead
- Masthead
- Research Articles
- Phytoplankton assemblage patterns in the southern Mid-Atlantic Bight
- A checklist of marine fungi of Taiwan with a description of Kitesporella keelungensis gen. et sp. nov
- First report of the alien brown alga Botrytella parva (Takamatsu) H.-S. Kim (Chordariaceae, Phaeophyceae) from the eastern Mediterranean Sea
- Molecular systematic reassessment of Sargassum (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) in Korea using four gene regions
- Deep-water macroalgal-dominated coastal detritic assemblages on the continental shelf off Mallorca and Menorca (Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean)
- The photosynthetic characteristics of red coralline algae, determined using pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) fluorometry
- Effects of ocean acidification on different life-cycle stages of the kelp Laminaria hyperborea (Phaeophyceae)
- Effect of heating and probiotic fermentation on the phytochemical content and antioxidant potential of edible Irish brown seaweeds
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- The invasive seaweed Sargassum filicinum (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) is on the move along the Mexican Pacific coastline
