We present a new model for the kinetics of nutrient uptake by phytoplankton, which we derive by combining existing models: (1) a size-based modeling framework that accounts for the effects of extra-cellular diffusive limitation, and (2) a model of optimal resource allocation that maximizes uptake rate subject to a physiological trade-off. We show that the new model, unlike either of its pre-existing components, is able to reproduce the observed range of variation in the half-saturation constant for nitrate uptake as a function of both ambient nitrate concentration and cell size. Our results illustrate that the combination of mechanistic trait-based modeling and physiological trade-offs can greatly advance our understanding of plankton ecology.
Smith S., Merico A., Hohn S. and Brandt G. (2014) Sizing-up nutrient uptake kinetics: combining a physiological trade-off with size-scaling of phytoplankton traits. Marine Ecology Progress Series 511: 33-39. 10.3354/meps10903
@article{Smith2014,
Title = {Sizing-up nutrient uptake kinetics: combining a physiological trade-off with size-scaling of phytoplankton traits},
Author = {Smith, SL and Merico, Agostino and Hohn, Sönke and Brandt, G},
Editor = {},
Journal = {Marine Ecology Progress Series},
Year = {2014},
Pages = {33-39},
Volume = {511},
Doi = {10.3354/meps10903},
Abstract = {We present a new model for the kinetics of nutrient uptake by phytoplankton, which we derive by combining existing models: (1) a size-based modeling framework that accounts for the effects of extra-cellular diffusive limitation, and (2) a model of optimal resource allocation that maximizes uptake rate subject to a physiological trade-off. We show that the new model, unlike either of its pre-existing components, is able to reproduce the observed range of variation in the half-saturation constant for nitrate uptake as a function of both ambient nitrate concentration and cell size. Our results illustrate that the combination of mechanistic trait-based modeling and physiological trade-offs can greatly advance our understanding of plankton ecology.},
}
TY - JOUR
AU - Smith, SL
AU - Merico, Agostino
AU - Hohn, Sönke
AU - Brandt, G
TI - Sizing-up nutrient uptake kinetics: combining a physiological trade-off with size-scaling of phytoplankton traits
T2 - Marine Ecology Progress Series
PY - 2014
SP - 33-39
VL - 511
DO - 10.3354/meps10903
AB - We present a new model for the kinetics of nutrient uptake by phytoplankton, which we derive by combining existing models: (1) a size-based modeling framework that accounts for the effects of extra-cellular diffusive limitation, and (2) a model of optimal resource allocation that maximizes uptake rate subject to a physiological trade-off. We show that the new model, unlike either of its pre-existing components, is able to reproduce the observed range of variation in the half-saturation constant for nitrate uptake as a function of both ambient nitrate concentration and cell size. Our results illustrate that the combination of mechanistic trait-based modeling and physiological trade-offs can greatly advance our understanding of plankton ecology.
ER -
