Temperature Functions in Biology and Their Application to Algal Growth Constants

Abstract

Temperature functions in biology and their application to algal growth constants Gunnel Ahlgren Ahlgren, G. 1987. Temperature functions in biology and their application to algal growth constants.-Oikos 49: 177-190. Various kinds of temperature rules have been proposed for biological use, but reasons for choosing one before another have seldom been given. Arguments for such choices should include both theoretical and mathematical-statistical aspects. In this paper the relationships of algal growth constants, such as ~t (maximum specific growth rate), q0 (minimum nutrient content of the algae), Y (yield coefficient) and Ks (halfsaturation constant for growth) with temperature (t) were investigated. The growth constants were estimated from growth experiments with the green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda performed in batch and P-limited chemostat cultures at t between 3 and 25°C. Additional growth data from different algal populations were estimated from 14C experiments in an incubator and in the field (0-20°C). The dependence of both (A and AZ (assimilation number) on t was generally described better by Belehradek's equation based on a "physical view", i.e., the rate of biological processes is more likely controlled by physical processes such as diffusion and viscosity than by equations of Berthelot's or Van't Hoff-Arrhenius' types, which were derived from chemical processes. Within smaller t intervals, Burckhardt-Harvey's equation (linear) often gave an equally good fit. For Scenedesmus the parameter q0 can be described by a 2nd degree polynomial. The limit value of Y at ,t = 0 versus t can also be best described by Belehradek's equation. Both Ks and Y at ut =-seem to be independent of t. Many examples from zoology also show statistically the most accurate fit to Belehradek's equation. On the whole, biological processes seldom show exponential increases with t. For example, the RGT-rule (Q0l), which is so widely used even today, often gives artificial "breaks" in the temperature coefficients. An equation of Belehradek's type should therefore be more generally accepted, also because its parameters appear to have some ecological significance.

Plankton Respiration, Production, and Trophic State in Tropical Coastal and Shelf Waters Adjacent to Northern Australia

“…The relationship between temperature and biological activity is normally modeled using an Arrhenius-type relationship, assuming that chemical kinetics control the observed rates (Ahlgren, 1987). The Arrhenius equation is defined as:…”

A dynamic regulatory model of phytoplanktonic acclimation to light, nutrients, and temperature

“…Under conditions of balanced growth, the Droop and Monod equations are consistent with each other and with Michaelis-Menten nutrient uptake kinetics (Morel 1987). The temperature-dependence of growth rate has been treated as an exponential dependence or an Arrhenius equation, although other functions have also been used (Eppley 1972;Li 1980;Ahlgren 1987). The lightdependencies of growth and photosynthesis rates have been treated by a number of equations, including a modification of the Monod equation, a hyperbolic tangent, and a Poisson function (Jassby and Platt 1976).…”

Effects of temperature on growth rate, cell composition and nitrogen metabolism in the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (Bacillariophyceae)

“…Correct use of a Q 10 value implies that the data follows an Arrhenius-type relationship (linearity of a log vs inverse absolute temperature). Several authors have argued against such functions, advocating Belehradek or empirical square-root relationships instead (see Ratkowsy et al 1983, Ahlgren 1987. One of the important failings of the Q 10 concept is that it is almost certain that different processes become limiting at different temperature (see Jumars et al 1993).…”

“…The effects of temperature are usually considered to have their basis in altering enzyme-mediated biochemical processes. The relationship between temperature and a given biological rate can be modelled in several different ways (see Ratkowsky et al 1983, Ahlgren 1987, but the temperature coefficient Q 10 (the factor by which a biological rate is increased by a 10°C rise in temperature) has been most commonly used. The use of Q 10 values assumes an Arrhenius-type relationship between rates and temperature and relies on chemical kinetics controlling the observed rate (Ahlgren 1987).…”