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Chlorophyll α is the core photosynthetic pigment that all phytoplankton possess. Concentrations of this pigment, which can be measured remotely, is used as a proxy for phytoplankton biomass in a given location general, the more chlorophyll a, the more phytoplankton biomass, although the CHL a to C ratio May vary between species, and even within the species.
Phytoplankton (/ ˌ f aɪ t oʊ ˈ p l æ ŋ k t ə n /) are the autotrophic (self-feeding) components of the plankton community and a key part of ocean and freshwater ecosystems.The name comes from the Greek words φυτόν (phyton), meaning 'plant', and πλαγκτός (planktos), meaning 'wanderer' or 'drifter'.
Iron availability is not the only regulator of phytoplankton productivity and biomass. [39] [40] In the Southern Ocean, prevailing low temperatures are believed to have a negative impact on phytoplankton growth rates. [40] Phytoplankton growth rate is very intense and short lived in open areas surrounded by sea ice and permanent sea-ice zones.
Biologically, both photosynthesis and aerobic respiration affect dissolved oxygen concentrations. [17] Photosynthesis by autotrophic organisms, such as phytoplankton and aquatic algae, increases dissolved oxygen concentrations while simultaneously reducing carbon dioxide concentrations, since carbon dioxide is taken up during photosynthesis. [22]
Microalgae, capable of performing photosynthesis, are important for life on earth; they produce approximately half of the atmospheric oxygen [3] and use the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide to grow photoautotrophically. "Marine photosynthesis is dominated by microalgae, which together with cyanobacteria, are collectively called phytoplankton."
Phytoplankton – such as this colony of Chaetoceros socialis – naturally gives off red fluorescent light which dissipates excess solar energy they cannot consume through photosynthesis. This glow can be detected by satellites as an indicator of how efficiently ocean phytoplankton is photosynthesising.
Relative to plants, the dissolved CO 2 source for phytoplankton can be enriched in 13 C by about 8‰ from atmospheric CO 2. [33] Isotope fractionation of 13 C by phytoplankton photosynthesis is affected by the diffusion of extracellular aqueous CO 2 into the cell, the RuBisCO-dependent cell growth rate, and the cell geometry and surface area. [7]
Autotrophic protists that make their own food without needing to consume other organisms, usually by photosynthesis (sometimes by chemosynthesis) Green algae, Pyramimonas: Red and brown algae, diatoms, coccolithophores and some dinoflagellates. Plant-like protists are important components of phytoplankton discussed below. Animal-like