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An Analytical Model of Photosynthetic Response of Aquatic Plants to Inorganic Carbon and pH
Author(s) -
Weber J. A.,
Tenhunen J. D.,
Westrin S. S.,
Yocum C. S.,
Gates D. M.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/1937738
Subject(s) - photosynthesis , ecology , total inorganic carbon , environmental science , carbon fibers , environmental chemistry , biology , botany , chemistry , carbon dioxide , materials science , composite number , composite material
A model is described for the response of net photosynthesis to inorganic carbon concentration in aquatic plants. This model is a modification of the model for terrestrial plants by Tenhunen et al. (1976) and Tenhunen et al. (1977). An attempt has been made to incorporate into the model HCO 3 — fixation as well as the increase of internal O 2 concentration during photosynthesis and its effect on photorespiration. Factors controlling fixation of inorganic carbon are described in terms of supply of fixable carbon, fixation mechanics, and diffusion resistance to absorption of inorganic carbon. Inorganic carbon supply is the available carbon pool at a distance from the plant where the concentration is unchanged by activities of the plant. Carbon fixation rate is assumed to follow Michaelis—Menten type kinetics with O 2 acting as a competitive inhibitor. Diffusion of free CO 2 to the site of fixation is described by Fick's Law. Transport of HCO 3 — is assumed to be controlled by a transport system which follows first—order Michaelis—Menten kinetics. Photosynthetic rate data of Raven (1968) on Hydrodictyon africanum and Lucas (1975) on Chara corallina are successfully simulated (r between .87 and .99, significant at P = .01).