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Calcification and photosynthesis of the coral acropora cervicornis under calcium limited conditionsDiffering hypothesis about the function of calcification are based on an interesting dilemma. Is the purpose of calcification mainly a structural and protective one or does calcification serve other functions? Does photosynthesis increase carbonate ion activity and cause calcification or does calcification increase CO2 levels and stimulate photsynthesis? It is proposed that calcification in corals is not dependent upon photosynthesis but upon calcium levels in the water. Under normal ocean conditions, corals convert a certain percentage of energy to photosynthesis and respiration and another percentage to calcification. As corals become nutrient stressed, particularly calcium limited, the ratio of photosynthesis to calcification shifts towards calcification in order to generate protons. The protons generated during calcification may stimulate photosynthesis and aid in the uptake of nutrients and biocarbonates. The results of the calcification experiment show a trend towards increased calcification and decreased photosynthesis when the coral Acropora cervicornis is calcium limited, but the data are inconclusive and further research is needed.
Document ID
19990021125
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Rathfon, Megan
(Wellesley Coll. MA United States)
Brewer, Debbie
(Arizona State Univ. Tempe, AZ United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1997
Publication Information
Publication: Summer Research Internships at Biosphere 2 Center
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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