In:
Canadian Journal of Botany, Canadian Science Publishing, Vol. 76, No. 6 ( 1998-06-01), p. 1010-1017
Abstract:
Most microalgae possess a mechanism for actively transporting inorganic carbon that concentrates CO 2 at the active site of the carbon fixing enzyme ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco). This review considers the effects of environmental factors on the capacity and activity of microalgal CO 2 -concentrating mechanisms. Limitation of energy supply by light availability decreases the rate of inorganic carbon transport and cells grown under light-limited conditions have a reduced capacity for CO 2 accumulation. Phosphorus limitation also reduces the capacity of algal cells to accumulate CO 2 , whereas both the rate of supply of nitrogen and the form in which it is made available interact in various complex ways with carbon utilization. The potential role of other nutrients in modulating inorganic carbon transport is also discussed. The capacity of algae for carbon accumulation is also affected by CO 2 supply, which, in turn, is a function of the interactions between ionic strength of the growth medium, pH, cell density in culture, aeration rate, and inorganic carbon concentration in the medium. The effects of these interacting parameters are discussed, together with an assessment of the possible roles and significance of CO 2 -concentrating mechanisms to microalgae in marine and freshwater ecosystems.Key words: carbon acquisition, microalgae, CO 2 -concentrating mechanism, light, nutrient limitation, CO 2 supply.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0008-4026
Language:
English
Publisher:
Canadian Science Publishing
Publication Date:
1998
detail.hit.zdb_id:
218116-2
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1481926-0
SSG:
12
