Quantitative Modeling of Photoacclimation and Photoinhibition in Marine Phytoplankton

Abstract

The existing models of photoacclimation and photoinhibition in marine phytoplankton and their shortcomings are analyzed. A new approach to photoadaptation modeling is proposed that uses the previously developed quantitative description of photosynthesis in marine algae. It is based on the idea that adaptation results, on the one hand, from light and dark destruction of key components of photosynthesis (photosynthetic pigments and the enzyme system of dark reactions) and on the other hand, from their biosynthetic restoration from the photosynthesis products (positive feedbacks). The model scheme involves concentrations and rate constants, while the notion of quotas is not employed. The model yields a satisfactory description of the known photoadaptation curves and explains the main effects of this phenomenon.