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A Review on the Macromolecular Compositions of Phytoplankton and the Implications for Aquatic Biogeochemistry

Ocean Science Journal volume 54, pages 1–14 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

Biochemical composition of phytoplankton is a key indicator of the physiological and nutritional status of phytoplankton. A balanced biochemical pattern represents a healthy and productive metabolism in the autotrophic levels which can facilitate proper functioning of higher level organisms. The estimation of biochemical compositions was initiated in the early 1970’s. However, there has been a significant set of modifications in the extraction method and improvements in the sampling and analysis techniques since then. Similarly, the extent of biochemical measurements from various aquatic ecosystems around the globe has also increased. Recently, biochemical patterns are being used as a tool to track the changes in the physiological status of phytoplankton as a response to climate change. Such investigations are also forming part of research works on marine food webs and the nutritional status of ecosystems. This article is a brief review of research works carried out so far in an attempt to understand the biochemical compositions of phytoplankton in the global oceans and the implications with regard to changing environmental conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oceanography, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Korea

    P. S. Bhavya, Naeun Jo, Kwanwoo Kim, Jae Joong Kang, Jae Hyung Lee, Dabin Lee, HuiTae Joo, Min Gu Kang, Mi Sun Yun & Sang Heon Lee

  2. Division of Polar Ocean Sciences, Korea Polar Research Institute, KIOST, Incheon, 21990, Korea

    Bo Kyung Kim

  3. Department of Biology and Quebec Ocean, Laval University, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada

    Jang Han Lee

  4. Horn Point Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Cambridge, MD, 21613, USA

    So Hyun Ahn

  5. Marine Environmental Research Center, KIOST, Busan, 49111, Korea

    Yewon Kim

  6. Department of Marine Science and Convergence Engineering, College of Science and Convergence Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, Korea

    Jun-Oh Min

  7. School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea

    Chang Keun Kang

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Bhavya, P.S., Kim, B.K., Jo, N. et al. A Review on the Macromolecular Compositions of Phytoplankton and the Implications for Aquatic Biogeochemistry. Ocean Sci. J. 54, 1–14 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12601-018-0061-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12601-018-0061-8

Keywords

  • biochemical composition
  • phytoplankton
  • physiological status
  • POM