If molecular diffusion is the process that limits microbial growth at low substrate concentrations, one would expect low temperature dependence of nutrient-limited phytoplankton.

In both experimental and theoretical literature on microbial physiology, the relationship between a specific rate (µ) and the concentration of a substrate (S) limiting this process, is usually described by a hyperbolic function

$$\hskip 80pt\mu = \frac{{\mu ^{max}S}}{{K + S}}$$
(1)

where µmax is the maximum rate and K is the substrate concentration corresponding to µmax/2, therefore usually termed the half-saturation constant. This relationship is traditionally referred to either as the Monod or the Michaelis–Menten function, terminologies originating from the scientific traditions of population growth [1] and biochemistry [2], respectively.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account
Continue with Google
Continue with ORCiD