To our knowledge, the present work constitutes the first effort to relate phytoplankton community variable fluorescence to the contributions from algal and cyanobacterial Blasticidin S clinical trial subpopulations over a wide domain of the spectral excitation–emission matrix. In order to collect this information with a standard, mid-range spectrofluorometer, some allowances have had to be made. We may question whether our analysis, based on dark adapted cells, manipulated in their growth environment to yield a range of F v/F m, are representative of results that would be

obtained when using actinic light to manipulate F v′/F m′. We do believe that transient physiological change (i.e. state transitions) observed under Tariquidar price (increasing) illumination can contribute to changes in the observed cyanobacterial influence on community variable fluorescence. At the same time, we assume that these changes are not likely to be of such magnitude that they would change our definition of the optimal fluorometer configuration. It would be most useful to see repeat experiments that focus on measuring F v′/F m′ under varying actinic light intensities. A quantum-corrected FRRF or PAM instrument operating with multiple excitation bands would be an excellent platform for such investigations, simultaneously eliminating the

need to use DCMU to induce F m. In conclusion, we observe that microscope-based active fluorescence measurements, flow-cytometry, remote laser stimulated fluorescence and FRRF are examples of emerging methods in oceanography Selleck CX-6258 where phytoplankton fluorescence can shed more light on community composition and photosynthetic capacity at the subcommunity level. We foresee that the use of variable fluorescence techniques will gain increasing importance in environmental monitoring as a complementary method to carbon fixation measurements. It is therefore of prime importance to develop instruments and data interpretation Linifanib (ABT-869) techniques

that are not biased against any of the major phytoplankton groups, particularly in environments where the physical environment is heterogeneous in time or space, and come to favour one functional group over another. The results presented in this paper will hopefully lead to a standardized and better understood variable fluorescence meter that will support studies of photosynthesis in optically complex environments. Acknowledgments This research was supported through a Marie Curie Intra European Fellowship within the 7th European Community Framework Programme, a postdoctoral researcher’s grant from the Academy of Finland, a postdoctoral fellowship from the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France, and a Kristjan Jaagu fellowship for participation in scientific training at foreign laboratories. The work contributes to activities of PROTOOL, a Collaborative Project (Grant Agreement 226880) co-funded by the Research DG of the European Commission within the RTD activities of the FP7 Thematic Priority Environment.