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Calcification Processes in Algae and Cyanobacteria

  • Chapter
Calcareous Algae and Stromatolites

Abstract

In algae and cyanobacteria, calcification is always associated with biosynthetic products and, where analyses have been made, these products have been found to consist predominantly of polysaccharide, although no specific polymer seems to be associated with calcification.

Two aspects of the mineralization merit special consideration: photosynthesis has long been considered the main driving force causing a depletion in aqueous carbon dioxide and an increase in CO3 2−. Photosynthesis will always favour calcification and the magnitude of the effect will depend upon photosynthetic rates and the lengths of diffusion paths for the ions and molecules involved in calcification. Second, at the ocean surface the precipitation of calcium carbonate is thermodynamically favoured even in the absence of photosynthesis, which may indicate either a widespread evolution of calcification inhibitors or absence of suitable catalysts. Today, the majority of aquatic plants remain uncalcified.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Biosphere Sciences, King’s College London, Campden Hill Road, London, W8 7 AH, UK

    A. Pentecost

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  1. University of Wales College of Cardiff, CF1 3YE, Cardiff, UK

    Robert Riding

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Pentecost, A. (1991). Calcification Processes in Algae and Cyanobacteria. In: Riding, R. (eds) Calcareous Algae and Stromatolites. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-52335-9_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-52335-9_1

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