Detecting carbon uptake and cellular allocation by individual algae in multispecies assemblages

摘要: Algal species vary in carbon (C) need and uptake rates. Understanding differences C cellular allocation among from natural communities will bring new insight into many ecosystem process questions including how changes alter energy availability sequestration aquatic ecosystems. A major limitation of current methods that measure algal incorporation is the inability to separate response individual mixed-species assemblages. I used Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy qualitatively inorganic 13C isotope cells single species, two phytoplankton Lateral shifts spectral peaks treatments were observed all species. Comparison associated with carbohydrates, proteins, lipids allowed for detection which individuals took C, macromolecules was make. For example, Spirogyra showed substantial carbohydrates. Further, at 1160 cm−1, 1108 1080 1048 1030 cm−1 suggested being allocated cellulose. The assemblage demonstrated could be tracked co-occurring diatom had large protein carbohydrate peaks, while a green alga euglenoid only few related peaks. an established, label free method measuring chemical composition cells. However, adding such as can greatly expand technique's capabilities by tracking movement between organic states within