Aquatic Photosynthesis

  • Paul G. Falkowski &
  • John A. Raven
Blackwell Science: 1997. Pp. 375 £39.50, $54.95

“Terrestrial plants are so much part of the human experience that aquatic photosynthetic organisms are often overlooked,” say the authors. It may be added that the great diversity of pigment composition and physiological properties among aquatic photosynthetic organisms, together with the fact that they are responsible for about 40 per cent of Earth's net primary production, more than justifies publication of this book.

Marine alga: highly productive en masse. Credit: sinclair stammers/spl

The authors succeed in their aim of integrating knowledge from biophysics, biochemistry and physiology and applying it in an ecological and evolutionary context.

An introductory account, the book presents a wide range of topics: the introduction deals with basic photosynthetic chemistry, evolution and diversity of algae, structural and chemical properties of photosynthetic cells and useful information on quantum aspects of light, electron-spin states, energy transfer in photosystems, fluorescence and much more. The bulk of the book deals with photosynthesis proper, photosynthetic models, respiration and biosynthesis. And there are concluding chapters on global primary production, its modelling on the basis of satellite measurements of chlorophyll a, and the role of photosynthesis in biogeochemical cycles and past and present global change.

The emphasis of the book is on marine photosynthesis, as reflected in the many references to the authors’ own excellent studies. But photosynthesis in freshwater algae does not differ essentially from that in marine algae. Planktonic algae, including cyanobacteria, are given broad coverage whereas seaweeds are treated cursorily. Errors are immaterial and few and far between. A rare exception is the description of light-harvesting complexes in peridinin-containing dinoflagellates, which is incorrect.

Complex phenomena are admirably well described, the layout is appetizing and the illustrations instructive. The historical background is well covered, and numerous footnotes offer anecdotes and facts that make vivid reading. How many biologists know that the term ‘photon’ was coined by the famous chemist Gilbert Lewis and that Lord Rayleigh developed his theory of lightscattering while travelling down the Nile on honeymoon?

This enjoyable book is recommended to anyone with a general scientific background and an interest in aquatic photosynthesis and its role in biogeochemical cycles and climate. Students who specialize in aquatic photosynthesis should supplement this excellent work with texts on aquatic optics and general plant physiology.