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Photosynthetic responses in Phaeocystis antarctica towards varying light and iron conditions
Van Leeuwe, M.A.; Stefels, J. (2007). Photosynthetic responses in Phaeocystis antarctica towards varying light and iron conditions. Biogeochemistry 83(1-3): 61-70. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10533-007-9083-5
In: Biogeochemistry. Springer: Dordrecht; Lancaster; Boston. ISSN 0168-2563; e-ISSN 1573-515X, more
Also appears in:
Van Leeuwe, M.A.; Stefels, J.; Belviso, S.; Lancelot, C.; Verity, P.G.; Gieskes, W.W.C. (Ed.) (2007). Phaeocystis, major link in the biogeochemical cycling of climate-relevant elements. Biogeochemistry, 83(1-3). Springer: Dordrecht. ISBN 978-1-4020-6213-1. 330 pp. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6214-8, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keywords
    Chemical compounds > Organic compounds > Carbohydrates > Glycosides > Pigments
    Chemical elements > Metals > Transition elements > Heavy metals > Iron
    Chemical reactions > Photochemical reactions > Photosynthesis
    Cycles > Chemical cycles > Geochemical cycle > Biogeochemical cycle > Nutrient cycles
    Luminescence > Fluorescence
    Organic compounds > Carbohydrates > Glycosides > Pigments > Photosynthetic pigments > Xanthophylls
    Radiations > Electromagnetic radiation > Light
    Phaeocystis Lagerheim, 1893 [WoRMS]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    fluorescence; iron; light; Phaeocystis; pigments; Xanthophyll cycling

Authors  Top 
  • Van Leeuwe, M.A.
  • Stefels, J.

Abstract
    The effects of iron limitation on photoacclimation to a dynamic light regime were studied in Phaeocystis antarctica. Batch cultures were grown under a sinusoidal light regime, mimicking vertical mixing, under both iron-sufficient and -limiting conditions. Iron-replete cells responded to changes in light intensity by rapid xanthophyll cycling. Maximum irradiance coincided with maximum ratios of diatoxanthin/diadinoxanthin (dt/dd). The maximum quantum yield of photosynthesis (Fv/Fm) was negatively related to both irradiance and dt/dd. Full recovery of Fv/Fm by the end of the light period suggested successful photoacclimation. Iron-limited cells displayed characteristics of high light acclimation. The ratio of xanthophyll pigments to chlorophyll a was three times higher compared to iron-replete cells. Down-regulation of photosynthetic activity was moderated. It is argued that under iron limitation cells maintain a permanent state of high energy quenching to avoid photoinhibition during exposure to high irradiance. Iron-limited cells could maintain a high growth potential due to an increased absorption capacity as recorded by in vivo absorption, which balanced a decrease in Fv/Fm. The increase in the chlorophyll a-specific absorption cross section was related to an increase in carotenoid pigments and a reduction in the package effect. These experiments show that P. antarctica can acclimate successfully to conditions as they prevail in the Antarctic ocean, which may explain the success of this species.

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