“A model of macro-molecular allocation and elemental composition in steady-state cultures of phytoplankton”
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Mick Follows (MIT) presents

“A model of macro-molecular allocation and elemental composition in steady-state cultures of phytoplankton”

The elemental composition of phytoplankton plays an important role in the global ocean carbon cycle. Elemental ratios vary, in part, due to the allocation between and within macro-molecular pools in association with physiological and environmental drivers. We discuss a model that explicitly reflects conservation constraints and a few, empirically-supported underlying assumptions. The model captures and interprets the observed linear trend of C:N and non-linear trend of C:P with growth rate. It highlights the need to understand the constraints on storage of non-limiting resources.