Characterization of thermal damage to the photosynthetic electron transport system in potato leaves

doi:10.1016/0168-9452(93)90003-I

Plant Science

Volume 94, Issues 1–2, 1993, Pages 19-33

https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-9452(93)90003-I Get rights and content

Abstract

Fluorescence, absorbance and photoacoustic methods were used to examine in situ various functional aspects of the photochemical apparatus of chloroplasts in potato leaves (Solanum tuberosum L.) briefly pre-exposed in the dark to a wide range of elevated temperatures (32°C–45°C). Measurements of the Emerson enhancement of photosynthetic O₂ evolution and the flash-induced reduction of the oxidized reaction center pigment of photosystem I demonstrated that selective denaturation of photosystem II in potato leaves started at a ‘low’ temperature of 32°C. Analysis of the characteristics of chlorophyll fluorescence induction in sub- and super-saturating light revealed two targets of mild heat stress: (i) an irreversible inhibition of electron donation to PSII and (ii) a reversible reduction of excitation energy trapping by the PSII reaction centers, with the former effect being identified as the major determinant of the loss of photosynthesis. A second phase of thermal denuration of photosystem II occurred at temperatures higher than around 38°C, resulting in a dramatic loss of PSII-mediated electron transport. Measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence decay kinetics after short and long flashes of intense light indicated that high temperatures up to 42°C had no inhibitory effect on the acceptor side of photosystem II: the rate of electron transfer from the primary (Q_A) to the secondary (Q_B) electron acceptor of photosystem II and the fraction of Q_B-non-reducing photosystem-II centers remained unchanged whereas the intersystem electron flow appeared to be stimulated. It was also observed that photosystem-I photochemistry, as probed by the photochemical energy storage in far-red light, the quantum yield of photosystem I for the Emerson effect and the kinetics of P₇₀₀ photooxidation by strong far-red light, was fully preserved in heat-treated potato leaves (at least, up to 45°C). From the presented data, one can propose the following sequence of events leading to the loss of photosynthetic electron transport in heated potato leaves: inhibition of water splitting (at leaf temperatures higher than 32°C)< reduced efficiency of energy trapping by photosystem II centers < alteration of the electron flow after $Q_{A} ( > 42° C) < PSI ( > 45° C)$ .

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Characterization of thermal damage to the photosynthetic electron transport system in potato leaves

Abstract

Arch. Biochim. Biophys.

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

FEBS Lett.

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

J. Therm. Biol.

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

FEBS Lett.

Sites of heat sensitivity in chloroplasts and differential inactivation of cyclic and noncyclic photophosphorylation by heating

J. Therm. Biol.

Relative thermostability of the chloroplast enevlope

Planta

Comparison of the heat stability of photosynthesis, chloroplast membrane reactions, photosynthetic enzymes, and the soluble protein in leaves of heat- adapted and cold-adapted C4 species

Carnegie Inst. Year Book

Photosynthetic response and adaptation to temperature in higher plants

Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol.

Environmentally induced changes in chloroplast membranes and their effects on photosynthetic function

Comparison of the heat stability of photosynthesis, chloroplast membrane reactions, photosynthetic enzymes, and the soluble protein in leaves of heat- adapted and cold-adapted C₄ species