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Nitrogen supply, tissue composition and frond growth rates for Macrocystis pyrifera off the coast of southern California

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Abstract

Seasonal changes in ambient NO −3 and NH +4 , tissue composition (N, C, and C/N ratio), and frond growth rates for Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) Agardh were examined. Ambient NO −3 showed distinct seasonal variations. Frond growth rates were variable, but showed no clear correlation to ambient NO −3 . The average N content of plant tissue did, however, show the same seasonal variations as ambient NO −3 . The longitudinal distribution of total tissue N and various components of tissue N along fronds were also analyzed. Several distinct patterns were found: high levels of protein N at growing tips and elevated levels of soluble N in lower parts of the frond. Free amino acids accounted for a major portion of the soluble N, but neither NO −3 nor NH +4 accumulated in the plant tissue. The longitudinal distribution of N along the fronds is compared to reported variations in C metabolism, and it is concluded that C and N sourcesink relations do not always coincide and bidirectional translocation may occur.

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Author notes

  1. P. A. Wheeler

    Present address: Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, 02138, Massachusetts, Cambridge, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. W. M. Keck Laboratories, California Institute of Technology, 91125, Pasadena, California, USA

    P. A. Wheeler & W. J. North

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  1. P. A. Wheeler
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  2. W. J. North
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Communicated by I. Morris, Durham

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Wheeler, P.A., North, W.J. Nitrogen supply, tissue composition and frond growth rates for Macrocystis pyrifera off the coast of southern California. Marine Biology 64, 59–69 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00394081

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00394081

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