Carbohydrate dynamics and growth rate of natural phytoplankton populations

Diurnal changes in carbohydrate content of natural phytoplankton populations differed from those found for cyanobacteria grown in continuous cultures. The carbohydrate accumulation rate was not constant during the light period. Also in contrast to results obtained using continuous cultures the photosynthetic characteristics changed during the light period. A close correlation was observed between changes in carbohydrate accumulation rate and the efficiency of photosynthesis over 24 hours. Seasonal changes in carbohydrate consumption rate over the dark period were proportional to changes in growth rate.