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Chapter 14, Problem 1TC
To determine

The factors that limit productivity. Also describe the methods that evolved by marine producers to cope with the lack of red light needed by chlorophyll for photosynthesis.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Answer to Problem 1TC

Lack of nutrients and light limits productivity. The lack of red light can cope with the accessory pigments that are reddish in color.

Explanation of Solution

Limiting factor can be defined as a physical or biological requirement in which the presence in inappropriate quantities limits an organism’s normal actions. In this case, it can be considered as the generation of carbohydrate.

Four ingredients are required mainly for the photosynthetic autotrophs to generate carbohydrates. They are water, carbon dioxide, inorganic nutrients, and sunlight. In the ocean, water is not considered as a limiting factor. It is either due to the high solubility in water or due to the large amount of carbon dioxide in the ocean; hence, it is not a limiting factor. Therefore, the availability of nutrients and light is considered as the two limiting factors in marine primary productivity.

Color is a factor that is dependent on chlorophyll. Red light is rapidly absorbed and converts into heat when it encounters the hydrogen bonds of water. It is solved with the aid of accessory pigments. Accessory pigments that are reddish in color as in red algae can absorb blue light and re-radiate it as green light.

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