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Effects of light intensity on nitrate and nitrite uptake and excretion by Chaetoceros curvisetus

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Abstract

Michaelis-Menten uptake kinetics were observed at all light intensities. With constant illumination, the Vmax and K1 in nitrate uptake over the natural light intensity range of 0 to 2000 μE were 0.343 μg-at NO3−N(μg)-1 at protein-N h-1 and 26 μE, respectively. Nitrate uptake was inhibited at higher light intensities. The Ks for nitrate uptake did not vary as a function of light intensity remaining relatively constant at 0.62 μg-at NO3−N 1-1. With intermittent illumination, the Vmzx for light intensity in nitrate uptake over a light intensity range of 0 to 5000 μE was 0.341 μg-at NO3−N(μg)-1-at protein-N h-1. No inhibition of nitrate uptake was observed at higher than natural light intensities. Chaetoceros curvisetus will probably never experience light inhibition of nitrate uptake under natural conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Texas Marine Science Institute, 78373, Port Aransas, Texas, USA

    S. M. Anderson & O. A. Roels

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  1. S. M. Anderson
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  2. O. A. Roels
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Communicated by J. M. Lawrence, Tampa

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Anderson, S.M., Roels, O.A. Effects of light intensity on nitrate and nitrite uptake and excretion by Chaetoceros curvisetus . Mar. Biol. 62, 257–261 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00397692

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