Photosynthesis was studied in various atmospheres of oxygen with marine plants grown on the Great Barrier Reef near Lizard Island, Australia. Inhibition of photosynthesis in a 100 % oxygen atmosphere ranged from 12 to 83 % in specific marine plants when compared to a nitrogen or helium atmosphere. The rates of photosynthesis in these marine plants were in general similar to those of terrestrial plants which fix CO₂ via the reductive pentose phosphate cycle. We conclude that photo-respiration is present in specific marine plants at levels similar to those found in terrestrial plants with the reductive pentose phosphate cycle.

Full text doi:10.1071/PP9760081

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