Low concentrations of NaHSO₃ increase photosynthesis, biomass, and attenuate photoinhibition in Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) plants

Y. P. Guo, M. J. Hu, H. F. Zhou, L. C. Zhang, J. H. Su, H. W. Wang, Y. G. Shen

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):333-337 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0032-7

Spraying low concentrated (0.5-5.0 mM) solutions of NaHSO₃ on Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) leaves resulted in enhancement (maximal about 15 % at 1 mM NaHSO₃) of net photosynthetic rate (P _N) for 6 d. The potential photochemical efficiency of photosystem 2 (PS2, F_v/F_m) and the quantum yield of PS2 electron transport (Φ_PS2) were increased under strong photon flux density (PFD). The slow phase of millisecond delayed light emission (ms-DLE) was increased, showing that the transmembrane proton motive force related to photophosphorylation was enhanced. We also observed...

Algae cells with deletion of the segment D210-R226 in γ subunit from chloroplast ATP synthase have lower transmembrane proton gradient and grow slowly

S. Ponomarenko

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):338-344 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0033-6

The γ-subunits of chloroplast ATP synthases are about 30 amino acids longer than the bacterial or mitochondrial homologous proteins. This additional sequence is located in the mean part of the polypeptide chain and includes in green algae and higher plants two cysteines (Cys198 and Cys204 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) responsible for thiol regulation. In order to investigate its functional significance, a segment ranging from Asp-D210 to Arg-226 in the γ-subunit of chloroplast ATP synthase from C. reinhardtii was deleted. This deletion mutant called T2 grows photoautotrophically, but slowly than the parental strain. The chloroplast...

Seasonal changes in the photosynthetic capacity of cones on a larch (Larix kaempferi) canopy

W. J. Wang, Y. Watanabe, I. Endo, S. Kitaoka, T. Koike

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):345-348 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0034-5

The seasonal changes of photosynthesis of cones of Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi Carr.) trees showed that gross photosynthetic rate of young cones (P _G) was 2-3 µmol m^-2 s^-1 at surface area unit and P _G/R _D (dark respiration of cones) peaked about 0.7 in the same period, indicating that 70 % of respiratory CO₂ was re-fixed. With maturation, P _G and P _G/R _D sharply decreased. Chlorophyll content in cones was 3-20 % of that in leaves, which made it a limiting factor for photosynthesis and its content...

Ferredoxin-quinone reductase benefits cyclic electron flow around photosystem 1 in tobacco leaves upon exposure to chilling stress under low irradiance

X. G. Li, P. L. Xu, J. P. Zhao, J. J. Meng, Q. W. He

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):349-354 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0035-4

The function of chloroplast ferredoxin quinone reductase (FQR)-dependent flow was examined by comparing a wild type tobacco and a tobacco transformant (ΔndhB) in which the ndhB gene had been disrupted with their antimycin A (AA)-fed leaves upon exposure to chilling temperature (4 °C) under low irradiance (100 µmol m^-2 s^-1 photon flux density). During the chilling stress, the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem (PS) 2 (F_v/F_m) decreased markedly in both the controls and AA-fed leaves, and P700⁺ was also lower in AA-fed leaves than in the controls, implying that FQR-dependent...

Water relations, gas exchange, photochemical efficiency, and peroxidative stress of four plant species in the Heihe drainage basin of northern China

J. R. Gong, A. F. Zhao, Y. M. Huang, X. S. Zhang, C. L. Zhang

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):355-364 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0036-3

Haloxylon ammodendron, Calligonum mongolicum, Elaeagnus angustifolia, and Populus hosiensis had different adaptations to limited water availability, high temperature, and high irradiance. C. mongolicum used water more efficiently than did the other species. Because of low transpiration rate (E) and low water potential, H. ammodendron had low water loss suitable for desert conditions. Water use efficiency (WUE) was high in E. angustifolia, but high E and larger leaf area made this species more suitable for mesic habitats; consequently, this species is important in tree shelterbelts. P. hosiensis...

Photosynthetic pathway and morphological functional types in the vegetation from North-Beijing agro-pastoral ecotone, China

X. Q. Liu, R. Z. Wang

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):365-386 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0038-1

Photosynthetic pathways (C₃, C₄, and CAM) and morphological functional types were identified for the species from vegetation in agro-pastoral ecotone, North Beijing. 792 vascular plant species (nearly half of the total species in the ecotone), in 66 families and 317 genera, were identified with C₃, C₄, and CAM photosynthesis (Table 1). 710 species (90 % of the identified species in Table 1) in 268 genera and 64 families were found with C₃ photosynthesis, 68 species (9 % of the total identified species) in 40 genera and 7 families with C₄ photosynthesis, and 14 species in 4 genera and...

Different ability of three Mediterranean oak species to tolerate progressive water stress

F. Manes, M. Vitale, E. Donato, M. Giannini, G. Puppi

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):387 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0040-7

Inter-comparisons in the gas exchange patterns and root characteristics under both well-watered and drought conditions were done in three-years-old seedlings of three oak species (Quercus cerris L., Q. frainetto Ten., and Q. ilex L.) growing in controlled environment. Well-watered Q. cerris had greater physiological performances than other oaks, but under drought it was not able to face the water stress showing also structural modifications such as reduction of root length and average diameter. On the other hand, Q. ilex maintained root growth both in drought or well-watered soils. Moreover, it was able to keep open...

Ambient levels of UV-B in Hawaii combined with nutrient deficiency decrease photosynthesis in near-isogenic maize lines varying in leaf flavonoids: Flavonoids decrease photoinhibition in plants exposed to UV-B

T. S. L. Lau, E. Eno, G. Goldstein, C. Smith, D. A. Christopher

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):394-403 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0042-5

Near-isogenic lines of maize varying in their genes for flavonoid biosynthesis were utilized to examine the effects of foliar flavonoids and nutrient deficiency on maximum net photosynthetic rate (P _N) and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence (F_v/F_m) in response to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. Plants with deficient (30 to 70 % lower N, K, Mn, Fe, and Zn) and sufficient nutrients were exposed to four irradiation regimes: (1) no UV-B with solar photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), (2) two day shift to ambient artificial UV-B, 8.2-9.5 kJ m^-2 d^-1 (21-25 mmol m^-2 d^-1);...

Mechanisms of energy dissipation in peanut under water stress

J.A. Lauriano, J.C. Ramalho, F.C. Lidon, M. Do Céu matos

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):404-410 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0043-4

Effect of drought on the mechanisms of energy dissipation was evaluated in two-month-old Arachis hypogaea cvs. 57-422, 73-30, and GC 8-35. Plants were submitted to three treatments: control (C), mild water stress (S1), and severe water stress (S2). Photosynthetic performance was evaluated as the Hill and Mehler reactions. These activities were correlated with the contents of the low and high potential forms of cytochrome (cyt) b ₅₅₉, plastoquinone, cyt b ₅₆₃, and cyt f. Additionally, the patterns of carotenoids and chlorophylls (Chls), as well as the alterations of Chl a fluorescence parameters...

Enhanced photosystem 2 thermostability during leaf growth of Elm (Ulmus pumila) seedlings

C. D. Jiang, G. M. Jiang, X. Wang, L. H. Li, D. K. Biswas, Y. G. Li

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):411-418 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0044-3

We examined photosynthetic activities and thermostability of photosystem 2 (PS2) in leaves of elm (Ulmus pumila) seedlings from initiation to full expansion. During leaf development, net photosynthetic rate (P _N) increased gradually and reached the maximum when leaves were fully developed. In parallel with the increase of P _N, chlorophyll (Chl) content was significantly elevated. Chl a fluorescence measurements showed that the maximum quantum yield of PS2 (ϕ_PS2), the efficiency a trapped exciton, moved an electron into the electron transport chain further than Q_A ^-...

Effects of different irradiances on the photosynthetic process during ex-vitro acclimation of Anoectochilus plantlets

D. M. Pandey, K. W. Yu, R. Z. Wu, E. J. Hahn, K. Y. Paek

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):419-424 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0045-2

Six months old in vitro-grown Anoectochilus formosanus plantlets were transferred to ex-vitro acclimation under low irradiance, LI [60 µmol(photon) m^-2 s^-1], intermediate irradiance, II [180 µmol(photon) m^-2 s^-1], and high irradiance, HI [300 µmol(photon) m^-2 s^-1] for 30 d. Imposition of II led to a significant increase of chlorophyll (Chl) b content, rates of net photosynthesis (P _N) and transpiration (E), stomatal conductance (g _s), electron transfer rate (ETR), quantum yield of electron transport...

Photosynthetic performances of five Cypripedium species after transplanting

S. B. Zhang, H. Hu, K. Xu, Z. R. Li

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):425-432 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0046-1

Photosynthesis and leaf traits of five species in genus Cypripedium were compared in natural habitats and transplant nursery to develop effective strategy for cultivation and conservation. Among five species, C. guttatum had the highest photosynthetic capacity (P _Nmax) in the natural habitat and nursery, while C. lichiangense the lowest. The differences in P _Nmax among species were correlated with leaf N content (LNC) and leaf dry mass per unit area (LMA). After transplanting from natural habitats to nursery, the P _Nmax of C. lichiangense and C. yunnanense decreased,...

Temperature dependent UV-Vis spectral changes in hydrogen-and deuterium-bonded photosynthetic reaction centers of Rhodobacter sphaeroides

A. E. Ostafin, J. A. Popova, C. K. Payne, H. Mizukami, J. R. Norris Jr.

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):433-438 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0047-0

The UV-Vis absorption spectra of detergent-isolated hydrogen-and deuterium-bonded reaction centers (RCs) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides PUC 705Ba were examined as a function of temperature between 20 and 55 °C. The enthalpy and entropy of denaturation for the specimens was determined, revealing that their process of thermal denaturation is significantly different. Deuterium-bonded RCs are most stable at 37 °C, rather than at room temperature, and undergo a "cold denaturation" as the temperature is lowered to room temperature. At room temperature the addition of 1,3,5-heptanetriol brought the deuterium-bonded RC back to its more stable configuration....

Photoinhibition and xanthophyll cycle activity in bayberry (Myrica rubra) leaves induced by high irradiance

Y. P. Guo, D. P. Guo, H. F. Zhou, M. J. Hu, Y. G. Shen

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):439 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0048-z

The effect of high irradiance (HI, photosynthetically active photon flux density of 1 300 µmol m^-2 s^-1) on net photosynthetic rate (P _N), chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and xanthophyll cycle components were studied in fruit tree bayberry leaves. HI induced the photoinhibition and inactivation of photosystem 2 (PS2) reaction centres (RCs), which was characterized by decreased P _N, maximum yield of fluorescence after dark adaptation (F_m), photochemical efficiency of PS2 (F_v/F_m) and quantum yield of PS2 (Φ_PS2), and increased reduction...

Structural characteristics of extra-membrane domains and guanidine hydrochloride-induced denaturation of photosystem 2 core antenna complexes CP43 and CP47

Y. G. Qu, Y. D. Gong, S. K. Guo, L. B. Li, T. Y. Kuang

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):447-453 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0049-y

The structural characteristics of the extra-membrane domains and guanidine hydrochloride-induced denaturation of photosystem 2 (PS2) core antenna complexes CP43 and CP47 were investigated using fluorescence emission and circular dichroism (CD) spectra. The extra-membrane domains of CP43 and CP47 possessed a certain degree of secondary and tertiary structure and not a complete random coil conformation. The tertiary structure and the chlorophyll (Chl) a microenvironment of CP47 were more sensitive to guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl) than that of CP43. Changes in energy transfer from β-carotene to Chl a corresponded well to changes in...

Development of photosystems 2 and 1 during leaf growth in grapevine seedlings probed by chlorophyll a fluorescence transient and 820 nm transmission in vivo

C. D. Jiang, L. Shi, H. Y. Gao, G. Schansker, S. Z. Toth, R. J. Strasser

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):454-463 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0050-5

Chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence transient and 820-nm transmission kinetic were investigated to explore the development of photosynthetic apparatus in grapevine leaves from emergence to full expansion. In this study, all leaves at various developing stages exhibited typical Chl a fluorescence transient. In newly initiating leaves, the maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry (ϕ_P0) was slightly lower (<10 %) than that in fully expanded leaves. Nevertheless, the fluorescence rise from O to J step was clearly speeded up in young leaves compared with that in fully expanded leaves. Additionally, a distinct K step...

Ontogenetic approach to the assessment of plant resistance to prolonged stress using chlorophyll fluorescence induction method

T. V. Nesterenko, A. A. Tikhomirov, V. N. Shikhov

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):321-332 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0031-8

The review deals with objective reasons that limit the use of chlorophyll fluorescence induction kinetics (Chl FIK) method in plant ecology. Based on the ontogenetic approach (analysis and comparison of the dynamics of the Chl fluorescence ratio F_p/F_s and physiological characteristics of plant leaves in ontogeny) possible criteria for the estimation of general plant resistance of photosynthetic apparatus (PSA) to prolonged stress affects are proposed. One of these criteria is the presence or absence of a steady-state phase in the dynamics of Chl fluorescence ratio F_p/F_s (or R_fd) of plant leaves...

Rama Das, V.S.: Photosynthesis. Regulation Under Varying Light Regimes

Z. Šesták

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):364 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0037-2

Kaiser, M.J., Attrill, M.J., Jennings, S., Thomas, D.N., Barnes, D.K.A., Brierley, A.S., Polunin, N.V.C., Raffaelli, D.G., Williams, P.J. le B.: Marine ecology: Processes, systems, and impacts

O. Prášil

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):386 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0039-0

Govindjee, Fork, D.C.: Charles Stacy French 1907-1985

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):393 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0041-6

Localisation of CP43 in single molecules of photosystem 2 using protein deletion and scanning tunnelling microscopy

C. S. Barton, P. B. Lukins

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):464-466 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0051-4

Scanning tunnelling microscopy of intact D1/D2/CP47/CP43 photosystem 2 (PS2) core complexes and CP43-deleted D1/D2/CP47 core complexes shows definitively that the CP43 subunits reside at the ends of the dimeric core complex. The CP43-removal procedure produces CP43-deleted cores with minimal conformational distortion to the D1/D2/CP47 residual core complex. There was excellent agreement between the X-ray and STM structures for the intact core complex, and between the STM image for the CP43-deleted core complex and the X-ray model with the components assigned to CP43 omitted.

Underestimate of PS2 efficiency in the field due to high leaf temperature resulting from leaf clipping and its amendment

J. H. Weng

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):467 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0052-3

Chlorophyll fluorescence parameter F_v/F_m, an indicator of the maximum efficiency of PS2, is routinely measured in the field with plant leaves darkened by leaf clips. I found that on a sunny day of subtropical summer, the F_v/F_m ratio was often underestimated because of a large F₀ value resulted from a high leaf temperature caused by clipping the leaf under high irradiance, especially for long (e.g. 20 min) duration. This phenomenon may overestimate the down-regulation of PS2 efficiency under high irradiance. When leaf temperature was lower than 40 °C, the F₀ level of rice leaves...

Effect of K application on leaf carbonic anhydrase and nitrate reductase activities, photosynthetic characteristics, NPK and NO₃ contents, growth, and yield of mustard

F. Mohammad, U. Naseem

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):471-473 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0053-2

In a sand culture experiment on mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern. & Coss) cv. Varuna, all tested characteristics at 60 d stage and yield characteristics at harvest were enhanced by K application as its levels increased from 5 to 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mM K, with 20 mM K proving best.

Low iron stress nutrition for evaluation of Fe-efficient genotype physiology, photosynthesis, and essential monoterpene oil(s) yield of Ocimum sanctum

A. Misra, S. Dwivedi, A. K. Srivastava, D. K. Tewari, A. Khan, R. Kumar

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):474-477 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0054-1

Genotypic variations were observed among 6 variants and an indigenous one as a control. An efficient genotype OCD(L) of Ocimum sanctum had the greatest content of chlorophylls [2.15 g kg^-1(FM)], Chl a/b ratio of 1.86, net photosynthetic rate of 0.72 mg(CO₂) m^-2 s^-1, and 1.56 % oil formation. Methyl chavicol formed 50.31 % of total oil in OSP-6 genotype, which had also maximum peroxidase activity [ΔOD 2.4 mg^-1(protein)] and maximum production of eugenol (30.44 % of total oil). We found an oxido-reducible reaction of peroxidase and high bands of peroxidase isoenzymes in this OSP-6...

Utilization of exogenously supplied ¹⁴C-saccharose into primary metabolites and alkaloid production in Catharanthus roseus

N. K. Srivastava, A. K. Srivastava

Photosynthetica 2006, 44(3):478-480 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-006-0055-0

Partitioning of exogenously supplied U-¹⁴C-saccharose into primary metabolic pool as sugars, amino acids, and organic acids was analyzed and simultaneous utilization for production of alkaloid by leaf, stem, and root in twigs and rooted plants of Catharanthus roseus grown in hydroponic culture medium was determined. Twigs revealed comparable distribution of total ¹⁴C label in leaf and stem. Stems contained significantly higher ¹⁴C label in sugar fraction and in alkaloids [47 kBq kg^-1(DM)] than leaf. In rooted plants, label in ¹⁴C in metabolic fractions in root such as ethanol-soluble, ethanol-insoluble,...