DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR OF A MODEL FOR PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND PHOTOINHIBITION

The dynamic behaviour of a simple model for photosynthesis and photoin hibiton, which was published before in this journal, is analysed. The differential equations are simplified and characteristic parameters an d time scale are introduced. It is shown that the gradual development of photoinhibition is very important for the interpretation of observa tions on primary production. The model is used to explain differences between short and long incubations, the effect of intermittent illumin ation, the influence of prior illumination and hysteresis-effects. Two suggestions for extensions of the model are presented: one for extra consumption of oxygen, coupled to photoinhibition, the other for satur ation of production at lower temperatures.