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Interactions between light and temperature on the physiological ecology ofGracilaria tikvahiae (Gigartinales: Rhodophyta)

II. Nitrate uptake and levels of pigments and chemical constituents

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Abstract

Main effects and interactions of light and temperature on rates of nitrate (NO 3- ) uptake and levels of pigments and chemical constituents of the red seaweedGracilaria tikvahiae were investigated in outdoor, nutrient-replete continuous-flow seawater culture chambers. Light intensity was the more important factor regulating levels of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), R-phycoerythrin (R-PE) and %N all of which varied inversely with light. Temperature was the more important factor regulating levels of protein, carbohydrate, and %C, all of which varied inversely with temperature. High levels of C, N, protein and carbohydrate at 15°C suggest thatG. tikvahiae either acclimates to low temperatures by increasing cellular levels of these constituents or accumulates these consituents at the reduced growth rates that occurred at this low temperature. Rates of NO 3- -uptake byG. tikvahiae increased with increasing light and temperature up to the highest levels employed (i.e. I0, 30°C). A broad correlation between growth rate, photosynthetic capacity and NO 3- -uptake byG. tikvahiae suggests that the ecological success of this alga may be due to its ability for highly balanced growth (i.e. proportional assimilation of C and N) over a broad range of light and temperature.

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Author notes

  1. B. E. Lapointe

    Present address: Harbor Branch Institution, Inc., P.O. Box 818, 33043, Big Pine Key, Florida, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, P.O. Box 13687, 31406, Savannah, Georgia, USA

    B. E. Lapointe & K. R. Tenore

  2. Biology Department, University of South Florida, 33620, Tampa, Florida, USA

    B. E. Lapointe & C. J. Dawes

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  1. B. E. Lapointe
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  2. C. J. Dawes
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  3. K. R. Tenore
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Communicated by J. M. Lawrence, Tampa

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Lapointe, B.E., Dawes, C.J. & Tenore, K.R. Interactions between light and temperature on the physiological ecology ofGracilaria tikvahiae (Gigartinales: Rhodophyta). Mar. Biol. 80, 171–178 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02180184

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02180184

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