Enhanced Model for Photophobic Responses of the Blue-Green Alga,Phormidium uncinatum

摘要

An improved computer-based mathematical model of photophobic responses in the blue-green alga,Phormidium uncinatum, has been used to simulate the behavior of the alga under various light and dark conditions. Under high light intensities, the model predicts the induction of step-up phobic responses. This novel result could be varified experimentally in vivo. Appropriate features have been incorporated to simulate the effects of ionophores and the application of external electrical fields; results of the computer simulation and in vivo experiments are compared. Several parameters of the model have been varied to specify the range in which phobic responses are permitted. These parameters allow conclusions to be drawn on the functional correlates in the living organism.