Biological stoichiometry and growth dynamics of a diazotrophic cyanobacteria in nitrogen sufficient and deficient conditions.

ABSTRACT: The role of nitrogen (N) fixation in determining the frequency, magnitude, and extent of harmful algal blooms (HABs) has not been well studied. Dolichospermum is a common HAB species that is diazotrophic (capable of N fixation) and thus growth is often considered never to be limited by low combined N sources. However, N fixation is energetically expensive and its cost during bloom formation has not been quantified. Additionally, it is unknown how acclimation to differing nutrient ratios affects growth and cellular carbon (C):N stoichiometry. Here, we test the hypotheses that diazotrophic cyanobacteria are homeostatic for N because of their ability to fix atmospheric N₂ and that previous acclimation to low N environments will result in more fixed N and lower C:N stoichiometry. Br

SUBMITTER: Osburn FS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8119935 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature