Light‐limited growth and photosynthetic characteristics of two planktonic desmid species

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Abstract
SUMMARY: 1.Staurastrum chaetoceras, originating from a eutrophic environment, andCosmarium abbreviatumvar.planctonicum, from an oligo‐mesotrophic one, were grown at 20°C in continuous‐flow culture under varied light conditions.2. Maximum growth rate inS. chaetoceraswas approximately 50% higher than inC. abbreviatum, corresponding to a higher photosynthetic capacity.3. Higher dry weight values and dark respiration rates inC. abbreviatum(compared withS. chaetoceras) support the suggestion from growth‐irradiance curves thatC. abbreviatumhas to invest a greater part of its photosynthetic energy in the construction and maintenance of specific cell components.4. The differences in growth and photosynthetic parameters might be related to the presence of a copious mucilaginous cell envelope inC. abbreviatum; such an envelope is lacking inS. chaetoceras.5. The possible ecological significance of these species‐specific differences is discussed.