Section outline

    • Isoprene () is a hydrocarbon with two double bonds, and its chemical formula is C5H8

      Plants synthesize organic matter, such as carotene, using isoprene units ( ). Because isoprene is highly volatile, it has been shown to be released outside the plant during photosynthesis. Atmospheric isoprene derived from plants accounts for a large portion of natural organic gas. Isoprene is also released from marine plants, and it is thought to change the oxidation capacity of the marine atmosphere. In the dark, where photosynthesis is not possible, plants decompose carotene to obtain energy. Isoprene is likely to be released at this time as well. In this research, we investigate the production rate of isoprene by oceanic phytoplankton communities, as well as the production in the dark.