FIG. 1.

Schematic representation of hypothesized relationships between photosynthesis and calcification in coccolithophorid algae. Previous models proposed that the CO₂ and H⁺ by-products of calcification in the CV could serve to enhance photosynthesis; however, the mechanisms by which this could occur have not been demonstrated. If confirmed, a CV-located CA could resolve these questions by converting the CO₂ released in the calcification reaction to HCO₃⁻ for transport out of the CV, thus increasing the amount of intracellular DIC for photosynthesis.