Physiological and ultrastructural responses of Cyclotella meneghiniana (Bacillariophyta) to light intensity and nutrient limitation

TitlePhysiological and ultrastructural responses of Cyclotella meneghiniana (Bacillariophyta) to light intensity and nutrient limitation
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1984
AuthorsRosen BH, Lowe RL
JournalJournal of Phycology
Volume20
Pagination173-183
KeywordsNUTRIENTS
Abstract

Photosynthetic characteristics and chloroplast ultrastructure of Cyclotella meneghiniana Kutz. were quantified while the organism was simulataneously adjusting to light and nutrient stress. Cells were grown in batch culture at either low or high light intensity on medium with a nitrogen/phosphorus molar ratio of 2:1 as a control, or with nitrogen or phosphorus deleted from the medium to create nutrient deficiencies. Analysis of variance indicated that light intensity, nutrient deficiency and duration of nutrient deficiency all had significant effects on cell growth, chlorophyll (Chl) concentration/cell, cellular fluorsecence capacity (CFC), chloroplast volume and thylakoid surface density. Because interactions existed among nutrient deficiency, extent of nutrient deficiency, and light intensity, all three must be considered together in order to describe accurately the physiology and chloroplast ultrastructure of the diatom. Significant correlations were found between the Chl/cell or CFC/cell and chloroplast volume and thylakoid surface density. Through an increase in Chl concentration, chloroplast volume and thylakoid surface density, the cells successfully adapted to the conditions of low light intensity even while under nutrient stress. In contrast, less Chl/cell, smaller chloroplast volume and less thylakoid surface density were found at high light intensity.