Kinetic modelling of growth and storage molecule production in microalgae under mixotrophic and autotrophic conditions.

In order to improve algal biofuel production on a commercial-scale, an understanding of algal growth and fuel molecule accumulation is essential. A mathematical model is presented that describes biomass growth and storage molecule (TAG lipid and starch) accumulation in the freshwater microalga Chlorella vulgaris, under mixotrophic and autotrophic conditions. Biomass growth was formulated based on the Droop model, while the storage molecule production was calculated based on the carbon balance within the algal cells incorporating carbon fixation via photosynthesis, organic carbon uptake and functional biomass growth. The model was validated with experimental growth data of C. vulgaris and was found to fit the data well. Sensitivity analysis showed that the model performance was highly sensitive to variations in parameters associated with nutrient factors, photosynthesis and light intensity. The maximum productivity and biomass concentration were achieved under mixotrophic nitrogen sufficient conditions, while the maximum storage content was obtained under mixotrophic nitrogen deficient conditions.

Light histories influence the impacts of solar ultraviolet radiation on photosynthesis and growth in a marine diatom, Skeletonema costatum

Phytoplanktonic species acclimated to high light are known to show less photoinhibition. However, little has been documented on how cells grown under indoor conditions for decades without exposure to UV radiation (UVR, 280-400 nm) would respond differently to solar UVR compared to those in situ grown under natural solar radiation. Here, we have shown the comparative photosynthetic and growth responses to solar UVR in an indoor-(IS) and a naturally grown (WS) Skeletonema costatum type. In short-term experiment (<1 day), phi(PSII) and photosynthetic carbon fixation rate were more inhibited by UVR in the IS than in the WS cells. The rate of UVR-induced damages of PSII was faster and their repair was significantly slower in IS than in WS. Even under changing solar radiation simulated for vertical mixing, solar UVR-induced higher inhibition of photosynthetic rate in IS than in WS cells. During long-term (10 days) exposures to solar radiation, the specific growth rate was much lower in IS than WS at the beginning, then increased 3 days later to reach an equivalent level as that of WS. UVR-induced inhibition of photosynthetic carbon fixation in the IS was identical with that of WS at the end of the long-term exposure. The photosynthetic acclimation was not accompanied with increased contents of UV-absorbing compounds, indicating that repair processes for UVR-induced damages must have been accelerated or upgraded. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stable carbon isotope variations in surface bloom scum and subsurface seston among shallow eutrophic lakes

Carbon stable isotope analysis of surface bloom scum and subsurface seston samples was conducted in shallow eutrophic lakes in China during warm seasons from 2003 to 2004. delta C-13 values of bloom scum were always higher (averaged 5 parts per thousand) than those of seston in this study, and the possible reasons were attributed to (i) direct use of atmospheric CO2 at the air-water interface, (ii) decrease in C-13 fractionation due to higher carbon fixation, (iii) active CO2 transport, and/or (iv) HCO3 accumulation. Negative correlation between delta C-13(scum) - delta C-13(seston) and pH in the test lakes indicated that phytoplankton at the subsurface water column increased isotopic enrichment under the-carbon limitation along with the increase of pH, which might in turn decreased the differences in 313 C between the subsurface seston and the surface scums. Significant positive correlations of seston 8 13C with total concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in water column suggested that the increase in delta C-13 of seston with trophic state was depending on nutrient (N or P, or both) supply. Our study showed that delta C-13 of phytoplankton was indicative of carbon utilization, primary productivity, and nutrient supply among the eutrophic lakes. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

Shrinkage of Gobiocypris rarus, Procypris rabaudi, and Sinilabeo rendahli preserved in formalin

Length measurements of preserved fishes are necessary in many types of fish surveys because logistics often do not allow for fish measurement immediately after catch. If the fixative causes significant shrinkage, then the preserved lengths cannot be directly used to indicate accurate live lengths. The objective of this study was to determine how preservation in formalin affects standard length of Gobiocypris rarus larvae (24-day-old and newly hatched), larval Procypris rabaudi (4-day-old), and larval Sinilabeo rendahli (12-day-old). Fishes were measured (to nearest 0.01 mm) and individually fixed in the appropriate formalin solution (2.5% or 5.0% formalin), then re-measured at 0.5, 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 45 and 75 days after preservation to follow the time course of shrinkage. Most of the shrinkage occurred within the first half day after preservation. The 5.0% formalin caused a higher relative shrinkage rate than did the 2.5% solution; however, the difference was not statistically significant. In G. rarus, initial shrinkage of newly hatched larvae was higher than that of 24-day-old larvae.

Kinetic modelling of growth and storage molecule production in microalgae under mixotrophic and autotrophic conditions

In order to improve algal biofuel production on a commercial-scale, an understanding of algal growth and fuel molecule accumulation is essential. A mathematical model is presented that describes biomass growth and storage molecule (TAG lipid and starch) accumulation in the freshwater microalga Chlorella vulgaris, under mixotrophic and autotrophic conditions. Biomass growth was formulated based on the Droop model, while the storage molecule production was calculated based on the carbon balance within the algal cells incorporating carbon fixation via photosynthesis, organic carbon uptake and functional biomass growth. The model was validated with experimental growth data of C. vulgaris and was found to fit the data well. Sensitivity analysis showed that the model performance was highly sensitive to variations in parameters associated with nutrient factors, photosynthesis and light intensity. The maximum productivity and biomass concentration were achieved under mixotrophic nitrogen sufficient conditions, while the maximum storage content was obtained under mixotrophic nitrogen deficient conditions. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

The functional divergence of two glgP homologues in Synechocystis sp PCC 6803

Glycogen phosphorylase (GlgP, EC 2.4.1.1) catalyzes the cleavage of glycogen into glucose-1-phosphate (Glc-1-P), the first step in glycogen catabolism. Two glgP homologues are found in the genome of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, a unicellular cyanobacterium: sll1356 and slr1367. We report on the different functions of these glgP homologues. sll1356, rather than slr1367, is essential for growth at high temperatures. On the other hand, when CO2-fixation and the supply of glucose are both limited, slr1367 is the key factor in glycogen metabolism. In cells growing autotrophically, sll1356 plays a more important role in glycogen digestion than slr1367. This functional divergence is also supported by a phylogenetic analysis of glgP homologues in cyanobacteria.

Regulation by hetC of genes required for heterocyst differentiation and cell division in Anabaena sp strain PCC 7120

Unlike those of the wild-type strain, proheterocysts of the Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 hetC strain keep dividing. ftsZ, the most critical cell division gene, is up-regulated in hetC proheterocysts. Heterocyst differentiation genes hglD, hglE, patB, nijB, and xisA are no longer expressed in the hetC mutant. hetC also regulates the expression of patA, a pattern formation gene.

Photosynthetic utilization of inorganic carbon in the economic brown alga, Hizikia Fusiforme (Sargassaceae) from the South China Sea

The mechanism of inorganic carbon (C-i) acquisition by the economic brown macroalga, Hizikia fusiforme (Harv.) Okamura (Sargassaceae), was investigated to characterize its photosynthetic physiology. Both intracellular and extracellular carbonic anhydrase (CA) were detected, with the external CA activity accounting for about 5% of the total. Hizikia fusiforme showed higher rates of photosynthetic oxygen evolution at alkaline pH than those theoretically derived from the rates of uncatalyzed CO2 production from bicarbonate and exhibited a high pH compensation point (pH 9.66). The external CA inhibitor, acetazolamide, significantly depressed the photosynthetic oxygen evolution, whereas the anion-exchanger inhibitor 4,4'-diisothiocyano-stilbene-2,2'-disulfonate had no inhibitory effect on it, implying the alga was capable of using HCO3- as a source of C-i for its photosynthesis via the mediation of the external CA. CO2 concentrations in the culture media affected its photosynthetic properties. A high level of CO2 (10,000 ppmv) resulted in a decrease in the external CA activity; however, a low CO2 level (20 ppmv) led to no changes in the external CA activity but raised the intracellular CA activity. Parallel to the reduction in the external CA activity at the high CO2 was a reduction in the photosynthetic CO2 affinity. Decreased activity of the external CA in the high CO2 grown samples led to reduced sensitiveness of photosynthesis to the addition of acetazolamide at alkaline pH. It was clearly indicated that H. fusiforme, which showed CO2-limited photosynthesis with the half-saturating concentration of C-i exceeding that of seawater, did not operate active HCO3- uptake but used it via the extracellular CA for its photosynthetic carbon fixation.

Margulis' theory on division of labour in cells revisited

Division of labour is a marked feature of multicellular organisms. Margulis proposed that the ancestors of metazoans had only one microtubule organizing center (MTOC), so they could not move and divide simultaneously. Selection for simultaneous movement and cell division had driven the division of labour between cells. However, no evidence or explanation for this assumption was provided. Why could the unicellular ancetors not have multiple MTOCs? The gain and loss of three possible strategies are discussed. It was found that the advantage of one or two MTOC per cell is environment-dependent. Unicellular organisms with only one MTOC per cell are favored only in resource-limited environments without strong predatory pressure. If division of labour occurring in a bicellular organism just makes simultaneous movement and cell division possible, the possibility of its fixation by natural selection is very low because a somatic cell performing the function of an MTOC is obviously wasting resources. Evolutionary biologists should search for other selective forces for division of labour in cells.

Nutrient dynamics and the eutrophication of shallow lakes Kasumigaura (Japan), Donghu (PR China), and Okeechobee (USA)

We compared the nutrient dynamics of three lakes that have been heavily influenced by point and non-point source pollution and other human activities. The lakes, located in Japan (Lake Kasumigaura), People's Republic of China (Lake Donghu), and the USA (Lake Okeechobee), all are relatively large(>30 km(2)), very shallow (<4 m mean depth), and eutrophic. In all three lakes we found strong interactions among the sediments, water column, and human activities. Important processes affecting nutrient dynamics included nitrogen fixation, light limitation due to resuspended sediments, and intense grazing on algae by cultured fish. As a result of these complex interactions, simple empirical models developed to predict in-lake responses of total phosphorus and algal biomass to external nutrient loads must be used with caution. While published models may provide 'good' results, in terms of model output matching actual data, this may not be due to accurate representation of lake processes in the models. The variable nutrient dynamics that we observed among the three study lakes appears to be typical for shallow lake systems. This indicates that a greater reliance on lake-specific research may be required for effective management, and a lesser role of inter-lake generalization than is possible for deeper, dimictic lake systems. Furthermore, accurate predictions of management impacts in shallow eutrophic lakes may require the use of relatively complex deterministic modeling tools. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

STUDIES ON MIXED MASS CULTIVATION OF ANABAENA SPP (NITROGEN-FIXING BLUE-GREEN-ALGAE, CYANOBACTERIA) ON A LARGE-SCALE

Studies on mixed mass cultivation of Anabaena spp. on a large scale (5170 m2) were conducted continuously for 3 years. Under the continental monsoon climate in northern subtropics (30-degrees-N, 115-degrees-E), 7-11 g dry weight m-2 day-1 of microalgal biomass on average was harvested in simple plastic greenhouses in the effective growth days during the warmer seasons. The maximum productivity was 22 g m-2 day-1 in the middle of summer. Observations on the productive properties of strains of Anabaena spp. indicated that they were different from and could compensate for each other in their productivities and adaptations to the seasonal changes. With different lining materials (PVC sheets, concrete, sand and soil) in the culture ponds, no significant variation of productivity was found, but bubbling with biogas in the middle of the day and the application of some growth regulating substances (2,4-D, NaHSO3 and extracts of oyster mushroom spawn) was able to improve the production. The cost of microalgal biomass in this way was around 0.75-1.0 US dollar(s) per kilogram.

云雾山草原区不同植被恢复阶段土壤团聚体活性有机碳分布特征

以宁夏云雾山草原自然保护区不同植被群落为研究对象,对0～20cm土层土壤团聚体活性有机碳分布特征进行分析。结果表明:(1)不同植被群落土壤团聚体活性有机碳含量顺序为退耕草地<百里香群落<铁杆蒿群落<大针茅群落<长芒草群落,与退耕草地相比,封育草地各粒径团聚体活性有机碳含量均显著提高(P<0.05),表明随着植被的恢复土壤团聚体活性有机碳含量提高并趋于稳定,土壤碳汇效应有可能增强。(2)植被恢复主要影响大团聚体(>0.25mm)中活性有机碳含量,其中0.5～0.25mm粒径团聚体中活性有机碳含量最高,微团聚体(<0.25mm)中活性有机碳含量最低。(3)植被恢复前期(退耕草地-铁杆蒿群落)0～10cm土层>0.5mm粒径团聚体中活性有机碳含量较10～20cm土层有所增加,<0.5mm粒径团聚体活性有机碳含量变化不大,恢复至后期到长芒草阶段时,0～10cm土层<0.5mm粒径团聚体中活性有机碳含量也开始提高,各粒径0～10cm土层团聚体活性有机碳含量均比10～20cm土层有所提高。(4)相关性分析表明,土壤团聚体活性有机碳含量与土壤团聚体总有机碳含量呈极显著线性正相关关系(r=0.9394),团聚体活性有机碳含量...

云雾山不同草地群落土壤活性有机碳分布特征

为探讨黄土高原草地植被演替过程活性有机碳的变化规律,揭示草地退耕后的分布特征,在云雾山草原区采集不同草地群落土壤,采用高锰酸钾氧化法对0~100 cm土层活性有机碳进行分析。结果表明:不同草地群落土壤活性有机碳含量均高于坡耕地,活性有机碳含量大小顺序为:长芒草(Stipa bungeanaTrin.)群落>大针茅(Sti-pa grandisP.Smirn.)群落>铁杆蒿(Artemisia gmeliniiWeb.ex Stechm.)群落>百里香(Thymus mongolicusRonn.)群落>退耕草地>坡耕地,且群落间差异达极显著水平(P<0.01);在恢复初期(坡耕地-退耕草地-百里香)活性有机碳含量增加较多,恢复到长芒草群落活性有机碳含量达到最大值,趋于稳定;活性有机碳的密度与含量表现出相同的变化规律,并随着土层的加深而呈现减小趋势。相关性分析表明,活性有机碳含量与土壤总有机碳含量呈极显著线性正相关关系(r=0.9742),土壤活性有机碳比总有机碳更能反映草地植被恢复初期土壤有机碳库的变化。

慢生型大豆根瘤菌GX201与固氮相关的putA、lrp基因的研究

该研究运用分子生物学方法，克隆并测定了慢生型大豆根瘤菌的putA、lrp基因序列，通过BLAST软件分析发现，lrp基因存在putA基因的上游且转录方向相反.将含有gus报告基因的转座子Tn5gusA5转座到以pLAFR3为载体的重组质粒pGXN300后，利用pLAFR3与pPHIJI质粒的不相容性建立了一套适合于慢生型大豆根瘤菌的转座子诱变体系，应用该体系诱变慢生型大豆根瘤菌GX201，成功地构建了putA、lrp基因的突变体GX20108和GX20120.根据已测定的慢生型大豆根瘤菌的putA、lrp基因序列，设计一对核苷酸引物，PCR扩增putA基因的调控调区，研究lrp基因与putA基因的相互作用机制，离体试验证明putA基因的启动子区存在一个与lrp基因相关蛋白结合区域.

科尔沁沙地小叶锦鸡儿人工固沙群落土壤水分与适宜密度研究

土壤水分是影响半干旱区人工固沙植被生存生长的关键因素。本文依据水量平衡原理，在植物群落层次上探讨沙地水分与植被恢复关系。以科尔沁沙地流沙治理中广泛应用的小叶锦鸡儿群落为研究对象，通过对降水入渗、根系分布和生长、蒸腾速率的研究，分析了不同年龄、密度和坡向的小叶锦鸡儿群落生长季节土壤水分动态和蒸散量，从水分平衡角度探讨在科尔沁沙地西部条件下人工植被建设中的适密度问题。研究结果表明：对于1mx1m密度小叶锦鸡儿人工植被区：随着植被年龄增长，根系分布呈现浅层化趋势，82.25％以上根系分布在O一100cm深度土壤中，浅层土壤截留降水能力增加，降水入渗深度减少，土壤逐步由水分淋溶型转变为非淋溶型；土壤水分含量降低，群落的稳定性下降。对不同年龄、密度、坡向的沙地小叶锦鸡儿群落生长季节土壤水分状况和蒸散量分析表明，1m×1m密度4年生植被区和2m×2m密度19年生植被区土壤含水量高于凋萎湿度，生长末期土壤贮水量有较多节余，土壤水分能够满足植物生长需求。在保证小叶锦鸡儿群落的固沙作用和群落稳定性、土壤水分收支平衡的前提下，科尔沁沙地西部小叶锦鸡儿固沙植被适宜密度为：植被建立初期（1-4年）采用1m×1m密度，成龄后适宜密度为2m×2m。