ISSN:
1432-1793
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Production of 7 fatty acids and 13 amino acids of phytoplankton from Kinu-ura Bay, Japan, was determined in 1984 by 24-h time-series experiments, using a combined13C and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method. The data were compared with the net increase in carbon of these compounds with time, and the specific production of these organic components was calculated. Production of total amino acids attained a maximum rate between 9:00 and 12:00 hrs, while a decrease in this rate was observed between 12:00 and 15:00 hrs, when production rate of total fatty acids was maximum. These changes appeared to be caused by the nitrogen deficiency which occurred during this period. Increase in the relative proportion of 16:0 and 16:1 fatty acids to total fatty acids was observed, while decrease of 18:2 and 18:3 fatty acids in the photosynthetic products was noted at 12:00 hrs. No systematic diel change was observed in the amino acid composition of photosynthetic products throughout the incubation period. The specific production rates of fatty acids and amino acids were less than those of water-extractable carbohydrates even after day-night incubation. Such differences were most likely due to nitrogen deficiency in phytoplankton cells. Photosynthetic production of each organic compound estimated by the combined13C and GC/MS method generally accounted for ca. 70 to 80% of its net increase in organic carbon. Other sources of carbon were assumed to be related to the net increase in these compounds.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00702460
