 |
Pahlow M, Oschlies A
Optimal allocation backs Droop’s cell-quota model
Pahlow & Oschlies show that Droop’s cell-quota model of phytoplankton growth can be taken to represent optimal physiological regulation within a phytoplankton cell. The optimality condition is derived from resource requirements of different cellular functions, and it maximises growth rate by balancing cellular N demands of light harvesting and nutrient acquisition, given the amount of N bound in structural material. The constraint imposed by the maximal N cell quota on the cost of N acquisition in the model makes it possible to differentiate between respiration costs of N acquisition and of light harvesting. Thus, this derivation improves our mechanistic understanding of phytoplankton physiology in terms of both CO2 fixation (gains) and respiration (losses).
Inter-Research Science Publisher is pleased to make this Feature Article openly available for viewing by our readers.
