On linearly normal space curves (Q1089395)

A conjecture of R. Hartshorne, stating that for every \(d\), \(g\) such that \(d\leq g+3\) and \(H_{d,g}\) (the Hilbert scheme of smooth and connected curves of \({\mathbb{P}}^ 3\) of degree \(d\) and genus \(g\)) is not empty, then \(H_{d,g}\) contains a linearly normal curve, is proved. For \(d\), \(g\) as above, this implies, by semicontinuity, the existence of an irreducible component of \(H_{d,g}\) consisting of generically linearly normal curves. Moreover, we give a range for \(d\), \(g\) where \(H_{d,g}\) is reducible, showing the existence of components consisting of non linearly normal curves. These constructions give further counter-examples to conjectures of R. Hartshorne and J. Kleppe. Finally, a problem about components of \(H_{d,g}\) containing families of curves lying on a smooth cubic surface of \({\mathbb{P}}^ 3\) is posed.