1529-8817/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=a2f09cd7b65e814ec648714612a7d81fffe36a3f "Journal of Phycology")
Present address: Department of Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620.
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FACTORS AFFECTING THE RATE OF CALCIFICATION IN HALIMEDA OPUNTIA (L.) LAMOUROUX AND HALIMEDA DISCOIDEA DECAISNE†
Article first published online: 27 APR 2007
DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8817.1969.tb02619.x
Additional Information
How to Cite
Stark, L. M., Almodovar, L. and Krauss, R. W. (1969), FACTORS AFFECTING THE RATE OF CALCIFICATION IN HALIMEDA OPUNTIA (L.) LAMOUROUX AND HALIMEDA DISCOIDEA DECAISNE. Journal of Phycology, 5: 305–312. doi: 10.1111/j.1529-8817.1969.tb02619.x
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Scientific Article No. A1486, Contribution No. 4126 of Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station, Department of Botany.
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Present address: Department of Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620.
- §
Present address: Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 00208.
Publication History
- Issue published online: 27 APR 2007
- Article first published online: 27 APR 2007
- Received December 12, 1968; revised June 24, 1969.
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
SUMMARY
Halimeda is a prominent part of the calcifying algae in the coral-reef lagoon ecosystems in the Caribbean. Experiments were performed on the Cayo Enrique Reef off Puerto Rico and in the laboratories of the University of Maryland to study factors influencing the calcification processes. Halimeda opuntia has a higher percentage of calcium carbonate than does Halimeda discoidea and a faster rate of incorporation. Halimeda opuntia and Halimeda discoidea show a stimulation of incorporation by light as well as a diurnal rhythm under identical conditions of illumination. Both phenomena parallel the rhythm of chloroplast migration within the plant. Calcification is also stimulated by the addition of carbon dioxide. Such evidence clearly indicated a light-linked mechanism which could involve photo-synthesis. However other metabolic processes, such as respiration, are also implicated. Aeration alone accelerates calcium incorporation. Nitrogen sources inhibit the incorporation of calcium during the day, indicating that cellular ammonia production is probably not responsible for precipitation. The differential wash-out rates of calcium absorbed during the day compared to those at night support the concept of a 2-step mechanism for calcification.