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VERSION:2.0
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DTSTART:20251027T130000
DTEND:20251027T140000
SUMMARY:Biochemical remodeling of phytoplankton cell composition under climate change
DESCRIPTION:<p>The macromolecular composition of phytoplankton shapes the nutrition available to marine ecosystems and regulates the interwoven global cycles of carbon and nutrients. Despite these fundamental roles, there are currently no mechanistic, predictive models of the global distribution of phytoplankton macromolecular composition and its variation in response to environmental changes. Here, we simulate the cellular allocation of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in a global ocean model in the present day and over the 21st century under a climate change scenario. Our simulations indicate systematic spatial variations in phytoplankton macromolecular composition, which are consistent with available observations. Our model simulations further suggest variable geographic responses to climate change. Specifically, phytoplankton in polar regions are projected to have more carbohydrates and lipids at the expense of proteins, due to warming and relief from light limitation. We compiled and analyzed in situ macromolecular measurements of polar phytoplankton spanning several decades, finding trends consistent with our model predictions. Our findings indicate that changes in the macromolecular composition of phytoplankton can serve as indicators of shifting environmental conditions. Such changes will reshape the nutritional landscape at the base of the marine food web and alter global biogeochemical cycles. </p>
LOCATION:
TRANSP:OPAQUE
URL:https://www.weizmann.ac.il/EPS/events
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