web.pdx.edu/~rueterj/algae/lecture_notes/conversion-factors.htm

Conversion Factors, Estimates and Ranges

These are some rough estimates of the relationships between major parameters. We will try to derive or estimate most of them. These factors are very useful for checking answers.

 

Weight and volume

1 cm^3 of cells weighs 1 gram - i.e. they weigh the same as water to a first approximation.

Algal cells are about 30% dry weight.

The dry weight of cells contains approximately 35% carbon by weight.

 

Photosynthesis and pigments

Chlorophyll ranges from about .5 to 5% of the dry weight of the cell.

C/Chla ratios range from ****

 

Respiration

Dark respiration can be estimated as either *** or ***.