Response to reviewer #1

Abstract

et al.. Programmed cell death in diazotrophs and the fate of organic matter in the western tropical South Pacific Ocean during the OUTPACE cruise. Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union. D. Spungin et al.: Programmed cell death in diazotrophs and the fate of organic matterPACE indicate that nutrient limitation may induce PCD in high biomass blooms such as displayed by Trichodesmium or diatom-diazotroph associations. Furthermore, PCD combined with high TEP production will tend to facilitate cellular aggregation and bloom termination and will expedite vertical flux to depth.