Photosynthetic and light-independent carbon fixation in Macrocystis, Nereocystis, and some selected Pacific Laminariales

Abstract

The large kelp Macrocystis integrifolia and Nereocystis luetkeana off the coast of British Columbia have light saturation points at about 200 foot candles (1 foot candle = 10.76391 lx); however, photosynthetic rates remain unimpeded through mugh higher light intensities, up to 7000 foot candles. Short-term labelling experiments indicate that the Calvin cycle is operational in these plants, but, in addition, and particularly in the young growing parts, relatively high activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEP-CK)and correspondingly high rates of 14C fixation in the dark are observed. In older, mature parts, the activity of PEP-CK as well as the ability for light-independent 14C assimilation are lower. These observations are supported by data from a variety of other Pacific Laminariales. Pulse–chase experiments in the light and in the dark reveal characteristic differences between young and mature parts of the fronds: apart from qualitative difference in the soluble fraction of assimilates, the young parts show a significantly large proportion of radiocarbon confined to the ethanol-insoluble fraction.