Pathways of carbon assimilation in phytoplankton from the Antarctic Ocean1

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Abstract
The assimilation of [14C]bicarbonate into the major end‐products of photosynthesis was measured at five stations in the Southern Ocean. Under conditions of low light intensity and low temperature (0°C) and higher light intensities incorporation into lipid accounted for 14C into lipid have high PC:Chl ratios, high PC:PN ratios, and low C‐specific rates of 14C assimilation. All populations were dominated by diatoms. High concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, and silicate argue against the concept of nutrient limitation. This pattern of photosynthesis differs from that observed in many other parts of the oceans. It is suggested that the prominent synthesis of lipid is a response to extremely low temperatures and is enhanced by the additional stress of low light intensities.

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