Translocation in Calliarthron tuberculosum and its role in the light-enhancement of calcification

Calcium, inorganic carbon and compounds elaborated during photosynthesis are translocated from pigmented thallus to adjacent non-pigmented apical tip tissue in fronds of Calliarthron tuberculosum. Furthermore, light-enhanced calcification in the apical tips is shown to be dependent upon photosynthesis in adjacent pigmented thallus. By the nature of the experimental design, translocation is the only means by which photosynthesis might affect calcification at a remote site (i.e., the apical tips). Several possibilities are examined as mechanisms for the link between photosynthesis and calcification.