Light intensity modulation by coccoliths of Emiliania huxleyi as a micro-photo-regulator

Scientific Reports
Yuri MizukawaMasakazu Iwasaka

Abstract

In this study, we present experimental evidence showing that coccoliths have light-scattering anisotropy that contributes to a possible control of solar light exposure in the ocean. Changing the angle between the incident light and an applied magnetic field causes differences in the light-scattering intensities of a suspension of coccoliths isolated from Emiliania huxleyi. The magnetic field effect is induced by the diamagnetic torque force directing the coccolith radial plane perpendicular to the applied magnetic fields at 400 to 500 mT. The developed technique reveals the light-scattering anisotropies in the 3-μm-diameter floating coccoliths by orienting themselves in response to the magnetic fields. The detached coccolith scatters radially the light incident to its radial plane. The experimental results on magnetically oriented coccoliths show that an individual coccolith has a specific direction of light scattering, although the possible physiological effect of the coccolith remains for further study, focusing on the light-scattering anisotropies of coccoliths on living cells.

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Citations

Nov 5, 2016·Annual Review of Marine Science·Alison R TaylorGlen Wheeler
Jul 28, 2016·Science Advances·Fanny M MonteiroAndy Ridgwell
Apr 16, 2020·Advanced Biosystems·Giulia SantomauroJoachim Bill
Jan 4, 2018·Annual Review of Marine Science·William M Balch

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
light scattering
light-scattering
dynamic light scattering

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