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The Distribution of Absorbed Light Energy for Algal Photosynthesis

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Primary Productivity in the Sea

Part of the book series: Environmental Science Research ((ESRH,volume 19))

Abstract

Photosynthesis is the process through which light energy is transformed into the chemical energy useful to biological organisms. This conversion is accomplished primarily through the enzymatic reduction of carbon from the highly oxidized CO2 to the more reduced level equivalent to formaldehyde, (CH2O)n. The reactions of carbon reduction occur in the soluble phase of the cell or chloroplast and require both reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) [1,2]. In the simple case where only the reactions of the Calvin-Benson-Bassham Cycle [2] occur, the reduction of one molecule of CO2 requires three molecules of ATP and two of NADPH. However, in many photosynthetic organisms, other biochemical pathways, such as photorespiration of “C4” metabolism [3,4,5], change the above mentioned requirements. In addition, rapid growth or “luxury accumulation” [1] may require supplemental energy inputs. Thus, the commonly quoted ratio for ATP:NADPH: CO2 of 3:2:1 must be considered a minimum for promotion of growth.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10021, USA

    Arthur C. Ley

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  1. Arthur C. Ley
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York, USA

    Paul G. Falkowski

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© 1980 Plenum Press, New York

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Ley, A.C. (1980). The Distribution of Absorbed Light Energy for Algal Photosynthesis. In: Falkowski, P.G. (eds) Primary Productivity in the Sea. Environmental Science Research, vol 19. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-3890-1_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-3890-1_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-3892-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-3890-1

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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