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Diurnal changes in photochemical efficiency and xanthophyll concentrations in shallow water reef corals : evidence for photoinhibition and photoprotection

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Abstract

 Diurnal patterns of photoinhibition have been identified in seven species of shallow water reef corals from the Andaman Sea, off the west coast of Thailand, using pulse amplitude fluorometry. Photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and quantum yield (ΔF/Fm∑) of symbiotic dinoflagellates within the corals declined after dawn to reach a minimum between midday and early afternoon, recovering to former dawn levels by early evening. Parallel studies on the xanthophylls diadinoxanthin (Dn) and diatoxanthin (Dt), and their inter-conversion, also revealed a strong diurnal pattern as well as inverse correlations between the xanthophyll ratio Dt/(Dn+Dt) and Fv/Fm and ΔF/Fm′. These findings suggest a photoprotective function for these pigments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Marine Sciences and Coastal Management, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU UK e-mail: 101515.1267@compuserve.com, , , , , , GB

    B. E. Brown, I. Ambarsari & R. P. Dunne

  2. Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA, , , , , , GE

    M. E. Warner & W. K. Fitt

  3. Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, Devon PL1 3DH UK, , , , , , GB

    S. W. Gibb & D. G. Cummings

Authors
  1. B. E. Brown
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  2. I. Ambarsari
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  3. M. E. Warner
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  4. W. K. Fitt
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  5. R. P. Dunne
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  6. S. W. Gibb
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  7. D. G. Cummings
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Accepted: 18 March 1999

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Brown, B., Ambarsari, I., Warner, M. et al. Diurnal changes in photochemical efficiency and xanthophyll concentrations in shallow water reef corals : evidence for photoinhibition and photoprotection. Coral Reefs 18, 99–105 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003380050163

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003380050163

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