Interplay between non-photochemical plastoquinone reduction and re-oxidation in pre-illuminated Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: a chlorophyll fluorescence study

in Photosynthesis Research (2011), 110

In photosynthetic eukaryotes, the redox state of the plastoquinone (PQ) pool is an important sensor for mechanisms that regulate the photosynthetic electron transport. In higher plants, a multimeric ... [more ▼]

In photosynthetic eukaryotes, the redox state of the plastoquinone (PQ) pool is an important sensor for mechanisms that regulate the photosynthetic electron transport. In higher plants, a multimeric nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P))H dehydroge- nase (NDH) complex and a plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX) are involved in PQ redox homeostasis in the dark. We recently demonstrated that in the microalgae Chla- mydomonas reinhardtii, which lacks the multimeric NDH complex of higher plants, non-photochemical PQ reduction is mediated by a monomeric type-II NDH (Nda2). In this study, we further explore the nature and the importance of non-photochemical PQ reduction and oxidation in relation to redox homeostasis in this alga by recording the ‘dark’ chlorophyll fluorescence transients of pre-illuminated algal samples. From the observation that this fluorescence tran- sient is modified by addition of propyl gallate, a known inhibitor of PTOX, and in a Nda2-deficient strain we conclude that it reflects post-illumination changes in the redox state of PQ resulting from simultaneous PTOX and Nda2 activity. We show that the post-illumination fluo- rescence transient can be used to monitor changes in the relative rates of the non-photochemical PQ reduction and reoxidation in response to different physiological situa- tions. We study this fluorescence transient in algae acclimated to high light and in a mutant deficient in mitochondrial respiration. Some of our observations indi- cate that the chlororespiratory pathway participates in redox homeostasis in C. reinhardtii. [less ▲]

Electrochromism: a useful probe to study algal photosynthesis.

in Photosynthesis Research (2010), 106(1-2), 179-89

In photosynthesis, electron transfer along the photosynthetic chain results in a vectorial transfer of protons from the stroma to the lumenal space of the thylakoids. This promotes the generation of an ... [more ▼]

In photosynthesis, electron transfer along the photosynthetic chain results in a vectorial transfer of protons from the stroma to the lumenal space of the thylakoids. This promotes the generation of an electrochemical proton gradient (Deltamu(H)(+)), which comprises a gradient of electric potential (DeltaPsi) and of proton concentration (DeltapH). The Deltamu(H)(+) has a central role in the photosynthetic process, providing the energy source for ATP synthesis. It is also involved in many regulatory mechanisms. The DeltapH modulates the rate of electron transfer and triggers deexcitation of excess energy within the light harvesting complexes. The DeltaPsi is required for metabolite and protein transport across the membranes. Its presence also induces a shift in the absorption spectra of some photosynthetic pigments, resulting in the so-called ElectroChromic Shift (ECS). In this review, we discuss the characteristic features of the ECS, and illustrate possible applications for the study of photosynthetic processes in vivo. [less ▲]

The photoenzymatic cycle of NADPH: protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase in primary bean leaves (Phaseolus vulgaris) during the first days of photoperiodic growth

in Photosynthesis Research (2008), 96

Protochlorophyllide-NADP(+) and protochlorophyllide-NADPH complexes and their regeneration after flash illumination in leaves and etioplast membranes of dark-grown wheat

in Photosynthesis Research (1999), 59(1), 53-61

The fast (1 min) regeneration process of the photoactive Pchlide forms after a light flash was studied in etiolated wheat leaves, and this process was simulated in vitro by incubating etioplast inner ... [more ▼]

The fast (1 min) regeneration process of the photoactive Pchlide forms after a light flash was studied in etiolated wheat leaves, and this process was simulated in vitro by incubating etioplast inner membranes of wheat with excess NADPH or NADP(+). The 77 K fluorescence spectra were recorded after flash illumination, dark incubation and a subsequent flash illumination of the samples. A non-photoactive Pchlide form with an emission maximum at 650 nm was transiently detected in leaves during regeneration of a photoactive Pchlide form with an emission maximum at 654 nm. Gaussian deconvolution of fluorescence spectra of isolated membranes showed that this 650 nm form appeared in conditions of excess NADP(+), as suggested in previous studies. Additionally a Pchlide form emitting at 638.5 nm was detected in the same conditions. The analysis of the spectra of leaves at different times after a flash indicated that these two non-photoactive forms are involved as intermediates in the regeneration of photoactive Pchlide. This regeneration is in correlation with the production of the Chlide form emitting at 676 nm. The results demonstrate that, in vivo, part of the NADPH:protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase is reloading with nonphotoactive Pchlide on a fast time-scale and that the 676 nm Chlide form is the released product of the phototransformation in this process. [less ▲]

QUENCHING OF A ROOM-TEMPERATURE FLUORESCENCE BAND AT 693-NM DURING PHOTOACTIVATION OF THE WATER-SPLITTING SYSTEM OF PHOTOSYSTEM-II IN FLASHED BARLEY LEAVES

in Photosynthesis Research (1992), 31(1), 41-47

The modifications of the room temperature fluorescence spectrum during the photoactivation of the water-splitting system by continuous illumination were investigated in flashed barley leaves. A blue shift ... [more ▼]

The modifications of the room temperature fluorescence spectrum during the photoactivation of the water-splitting system by continuous illumination were investigated in flashed barley leaves. A blue shift of the chlorophyll fluorescence band was detected during the first 2 min of illumination. During this shift, a decrease of the fluorescence intensity around 693 nm could be demonstrated in difference spectra and in second derivative spectra. This decrease is interpreted as a quenching of PS II fluorescence during the photoactivation. A relative fluorescence increase around 672 nm also occurred during the same period and is thought to reflect rapid light-induced chlorophyll formation. The flashed leaves contained small amounts of photoactive photochlorophyllide which could be removed by a short flash of intense white light given before continuous illumination. The fact that such flash had only weak effect on the 693 nm fluorescence decrease, whereas it strongly reduced the amplitude of the 672 nm fluorescence increase, favours the above interpretations. [less ▲]