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At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Microscale vertical profiles of n(2) fixation, photosynthesis, o(2), chlorophyll a, and light in a cyanobacterial assemblage.

Profiles of N(2) fixation, O(2) production (gross photosynthesis), O(2) concentration, chlorophyll a concentration, and photon fluence rates were measured with 50-mum resolution in colonies of the heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Nostoc parmelioides. Microelectrode measurements were made after 20 h of incubation under N(2) gas. Colonies were frozen, and 50-mum sections were prepared by using a freezing microtome and analyzed for N enrichment and chlorophyll a concentration. Colonies exhibited steep spatial gradients in rates of gross photosynthesis, O(2) concentration, and irradiance, with the highest values generally occurring at the surface. O(2) concentration, photosynthesis, and irradiance all showed positive correlations, but chlorophyll a concentrations varied independently of photosynthesis and irradiance. Forty-four percent of the variation in N incorporation was explained by gross photosynthesis (a positive correlation) when incorporation of N was expressed per unit of biomass (chlorophyll a).

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Effects of visible light and UV radiation on photosynthesis in a population of a hot spring cyanobacterium, a synechococcus sp., subjected to high-temperature stress

Assays of photosynthesis were conducted with a biofilm population of a cyanobacterium, a Synechococcus sp., growing at approximately 70 degreesC in a Yellowstone National Park hot spring to test whether cells growing near the upper temperature limit of photosynthetic life are optimally adapted to their mean environmental temperature. Cell suspensions were assayed at 70, 65, and 55 degreesC while being simultaneously exposed to modified solar environments, including reduction of total irradiance and exclusion of UV radiation. Carbon fixation was greatest at 65 degreesC, while 70 and 55 degreesC were always supraoptimal and suboptimal for photosynthesis, respectively. The degree of temperature stress was dependent upon light intensity, and this light-dependent temperature effect may involve both reduced quantum efficiency at subsaturating irradiances and a lower saturating irradiance at both supraoptimal and suboptimal temperatures. The Synechococcus sp. was also more susceptible to UV inhibition of photosynthesis at nonoptimal temperatures. These results suggest that this population is persisting at a nearly lethal temperature and is consequently subject to greater damage by both visible and UV radiation, but it is speculated that these cells may be avoiding competition with other photoautotrophs under these nonoptimal conditions. In separate experiments monitoring diurnal patterns of photosynthesis, cells exhibited peak productivity during the morning, followed by an afternoon decline. No recovery of photosynthesis was observed during the remaining daytime, and carbon fixation was always UV inhibited under conditions of photosynthetically saturating light.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

A mechanistic model of photosynthesis in microalgae.

A dynamic model of photosynthesis is developed, accounting for factors such as photoadaptation, photoinhibition, and the "flashing light effect." The model is shown to explain the reported photosynthesis-irradiance responses observed under various conditions (constant low light, constant intense irradiance, flashing light, diurnal variation in irradiance). As significant distinguishing features, the model assumes: (1) The stored photochemical energy is consumed in an enzyme-mediated process that obeys Michaelis-Menten kinetics; and (2) photoinhibition has a square-root dependence on irradiance. Earlier dynamic models of photosynthesis assumed a first-order dependence of photoinhibition on irradiance and different kinetics of consumption of the stored energy than used in this work. These earlier models could not explain the photosynthesis-irradiance behavior under the full range of irradiance scenarios-a shortcoming that is overcome in the model developed in this work.

Adaptation, Biological↗
PubMed1978

Photosynthesis and increased production of protein.

Photosynthesis, the use of light energy in the conversion of CO2 and inorganic nutrients into plant material, is the ultimate source of the food protein necessary to man's existence. Given certain assumptions, the overall maximal theoretical photosynthetic efficiency of agricultural plants can be calculated. Actual measured maximal growth rates of plants are equivalent to efficiency levels well below that theoretical maximum. In air, C4 plants can some closer to the theoretical value than C3 plants, perhaps because C4 plants avoid the occurrence of measurable photorespiration and oxygen inhibition of photosynthesis. Alfalfa, a C3 legume, is an extremely productive protein source. Its protein yield per acre can surpass that of commonly grown C4 crops (corn, sorghum) and C3 seed crops (soybean, wheat, rice). Alfalfa leaf protein is of high nutritional quality and can apparently be used directly in the human diet, eliminating the protein loss involved in animal production. Plant protein productivity can be raised as part of an increase in overall crop yield. The growth of plants in atmospheres with elevated CO2 levels can result in increased yields. In C3 plants this is due, at least in part, to the suppression of photorespiration and oxygen inhibition of photosynthesis. We have investigated the effect of CO2 concentration on alfalfa photosynthetic metabolism. Our results support the contention that alfalfa productivity can be increased by an environment of elevated CO2. A second approach toward increased plant protein productivity is through regulation of carbon flow during photosynthesis so as to increase portein production relative to that of other plant constituents. In particular, we have investigated whether ammonia (the form in which plants first incorporate nitrogen) can act to regulate leaf carbon metabolism. Our results indicate that NH4+, in part through stimulation of pyruvate kinase, brings about increased production of amino acids at the expense of sucrose production in alfalfa. The effect may be of considerable importance in the regulation of green leaf protein synthesis.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1975

Requirement of low oxidation-reduction potential for photosynthesis in a blue-green alga (Phormidium sp.).

Photosynthesis in a Phormidium species which forms dense conical-shaped structures in thermal springs is strongly inhibited by aeration but is stimulated by sulfide and other agents (cysteine, thioglycolate, sulfite) which lower the oxidation-reduction potential. The compact structures which this alga forms in nature may restrict oxygen penetration from the enviroment so that the anaerobic or microaerophilic conditions necessary ofr photosynthesis can develop. The alga may be defective in a regulatory mechanism that controls the reoxidation of reduced pyridine nucleotides formed during photosynthesis. It is suggested that other mat-forming and benthic blue-green algae may also prefer anaerobib conditions for growth and photosynthesis.

Anaerobiosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The begginning of photosynthesis.

There is no evolutionary continuity between photochemical abiosynthesis and bacterial photosynthesis. Rather, the photosynthetic bacteria are descendants of fermenters that did not use light. Photosynthesis and respiration, both using electron flow coupled with phosphorylation, have a common origin ('conversion hypothesis'), but photosynthesis came first. Anaerobic (nitrate or sulphate) respiration cannot have preceded photosynthesis as neither nitrate nor sulphate existed on the early earth. Sulphate was made first by photosynthetic sulphur bacteria. Nitrate arose even later, namely, in the aerobic biosphere produced by the blue-green algae, the first 'phytotrophs'. Photophosphorylation may have originated through the combination with membrane function of substrate level phosphorylation in reactionsand function of substrate level phosphorylation in reactions of photoproducts. Cyclic photophosphorylation arose while the biosphere was still reducing. It was supplemented later by processes for the light-based production of reducing power (NADH), ATP-powered electron flow, and subsequently light-powered electron flow with ATP production (noncyclic photophosphoryaltion). These later processes served the assimilation of CO2.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed2001

Horizontal transfer of the photosynthesis gene cluster and operon rearrangement in purple bacteria.

A 37-kb photosynthesis gene cluster was sequenced in a photosynthetic bacterium belonging to the beta subclass of purple bacteria (Proteobacteria), Rubrivivax gelatinosus. The cluster contained 12 bacteriochlorophyll biosynthesis genes (bch), 7 carotenoid biosynthesis genes (crt), structural genes for photosynthetic apparatuses (puf and puh), and some other related genes. The gene arrangement was markedly different from those of other purple photosynthetic bacteria, while two superoperonal structures, crtEF-bchCXYZ-puf and bchFNBHLM-lhaA-puhA, were conserved. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of these photosynthesis genes showed that the photosynthesis gene cluster of Rvi. gelatinosus was originated from those of the species belonging to the alpha subclass of purple bacteria. It was concluded that a horizontal transfer of the photosynthesis gene cluster from an ancestral species belonging to the alpha subclass to that of the beta subclass of purple bacteria had occurred and was followed by rearrangements of the operons in this cluster.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2004

The growth of soybean under free air [CO(2)] enrichment (FACE) stimulates photosynthesis while decreasing in vivo Rubisco capacity.

Down-regulation of light-saturated photosynthesis (A(sat)) at elevated atmospheric CO(2) concentration, [CO(2)], has been demonstrated for many C(3) species and is often associated with inability to utilize additional photosynthate and/or nitrogen limitation. In soybean, a nitrogen-fixing species, both limitations are less likely than in crops lacking an N-fixing symbiont. Prior studies have used controlled environment or field enclosures where the artificial environment can modify responses to [CO(2)]. A soybean free air [CO(2)] enrichment (FACE) facility has provided the first opportunity to analyze the effects of elevated [CO(2)] on photosynthesis under fully open-air conditions. Potential ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) carboxylation (V(c,max)) and electron transport through photosystem II (J(max)) were determined from the responses of A(sat) to intercellular [CO(2)] (C(i)) throughout two growing seasons. Mesophyll conductance to CO(2) (g(m)) was determined from the responses of A(sat) and whole chain electron transport (J) to light. Elevated [CO(2)] increased A(sat) by 15-20% even though there was a small, statistically significant, decrease in V(c,max). This differs from previous studies in that V(c,max)/J(max) decreased, inferring a shift in resource investment away from Rubisco. This raised the C(i) at which the transition from Rubisco-limited to ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate regeneration-limited photosynthesis occurred. The decrease in V(c,max) was not the result of a change in g(m), which was unchanged by elevated [CO(2)]. This first analysis of limitations to soybean photosynthesis under fully open-air conditions reveals important differences to prior studies that have used enclosures to elevate [CO(2)], most significantly a smaller response of A(sat) and an apparent shift in resources away from Rubisco relative to capacity for electron transport.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed2005

Microgravity effects on thylakoid, single leaf, and whole canopy photosynthesis of dwarf wheat.

The concept of using higher plants to maintain a sustainable life support system for humans during long-duration space missions is dependent upon photosynthesis. The effects of extended exposure to microgravity on the development and functioning of photosynthesis at the leaf and stand levels were examined onboard the International Space Station (ISS). The PESTO (Photosynthesis Experiment Systems Testing and Operations) experiment was the first long-term replicated test to obtain direct measurements of canopy photosynthesis from space under well-controlled conditions. The PESTO experiment consisted of a series of 21-24 day growth cycles of Triticum aestivum L. cv. USU Apogee onboard ISS. Single leaf measurements showed no differences in photosynthetic activity at the moderate (up to 600 micromol m(-2) s(-1)) light levels, but reductions in whole chain electron transport, PSII, and PSI activities were measured under saturating light (>2,000 micromol m(-2) s(-1)) and CO(2) (4000 micromol mol(-1)) conditions in the microgravity-grown plants. Canopy level photosynthetic rates of plants developing in microgravity at approximately 280 micromol m(-2) s(-1) were not different from ground controls. The wheat canopy had apparently adapted to the microgravity environment since the CO(2) compensation (121 vs. 118 micromol mol(-1)) and PPF compensation (85 vs. 81 micromol m(-2) s(-1)) of the flight and ground treatments were similar. The reduction in whole chain electron transport (13%), PSII (13%), and PSI (16%) activities observed under saturating light conditions suggests that microgravity-induced responses at the canopy level may occur at higher PPF intensity.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed2006

Infection with virulent and avirulent P. syringae strains differentially affects photosynthesis and sink metabolism in Arabidopsis leaves.

Infection of plants with pathogens leads not only to the induction of defence reactions but also to changes in carbohydrate metabolism. In this study, the effects of infection by a virulent and an avirulent strain of P. syringae on spatio-temporal changes in photosynthesis were compared using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging. The maximum PSII quantum yield, effective PSII quantum yield and nonphotochemical quenching were decreased in Arabidopsis leaves infected with either strain. At the same time, the quantum yield of nonregulated energy dissipation was increased. These changes could be detected by chlorophyll fluorescence imaging before symptoms were visible by eye. The effects were restricted to the vicinity of the infection site and did not spread to uninfected areas of the leaf. Qualitatively similar changes in photosynthetic parameters were observed in both interactions. Major differences between the responses to both strains were evident in the onset and time course of changes. A decrease in photosynthesis was detectable already at 3 h only after challenge with the avirulent strain while after 48 h the rate of photosynthesis was lower with the virulent strain. In contrast to photosynthesis, the regulation of marker genes for source/sink relations and the activities of invertase isoenzymes showed qualitative differences between both interactions. Inoculation of the virulent but not the avirulent strain resulted in downregulation of photosynthetic genes and upregulation of vacuolar invertases. The activity of vacuolar invertases transiently increased upon infection with the virulent strain but decreased with the avirulent strain while extracellular invertase activity was downregulated in both interactions.

Arabidopsis↗
PubMed1998

Photoinhibitory damage is modulated by the rate of photosynthesis and by the photosystem II light-harvesting chlorophyll antenna size.

We investigated the effect of photosynthetic electron transport and of the photosystem II (PSII) chlorophyll (Chl) antenna size on the rate of PSII photoinhibitory damage. To modulate the rate of photosynthesis and the light-harvesting capacity in the unicellular chlorophyte Dunaliella salina Teod., we varied the amount of inorganic carbon in the culture medium. Cells were grown under high irradiance either with a limiting supply of inorganic carbon, provided by an initial concentration of 25 mM NaHCO3, or with supplemental CO2 bubbled in the form of 3% CO2 in air. The NaHCO3-grown cells displayed slow rates of photosynthesis and had a small PSII light-harvesting Chl antenna size (60 Chl molecules). The half-time of PSII photodamage was 40 min. When switched to supplemental CO2 conditions, the rate of photodamage was retarded to a t1/2 = 70 min. Conversely, CO2-supplemented cells displayed faster rates of photosynthesis and a larger PSII light-harvesting Chl antenna size (500 Chl molecules). They also showed a rate of photodamage with t1/2 = 40 min. When depleted of CO2, the rate of photodamage was accelerated (t1/2 = 20 min). These results indicate that the in-vivo susceptibility to photodamage is modulated by the rate of forward electron transport through PSII. Moreover, a large Chl antenna size enhances the rate of light absorption and photodamage and, therefore, counters the mitigating effect of forward electron transport. We propose that under steady-state photosynthesis, the rate of light absorption (determined by incident light intensity and PS Chl antenna size) and the rate of forward electron transport (determined by CO2 availability) modulate the oxidation/reduction state of the primary PSII acceptor QA, which in turn defines the low/high probability for photodamage in the PSII reaction center.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed2000

Ferric reduction by iron-limited Chlamydomonas cells interacts with both photosynthesis and respiration.

Iron limitation led to a large increase in extracellular ferricyanide (Fe[III]) reductase activity in cells of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Dangeard. Mass-spectrometric measurement of gas exchange indicated that ferricyanide reduction in the dark resulted in a stimulation of respiratory CO2 production without affecting the rate of respiratory O2 consumption, consistent with the previously postulated activation of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway in support of Fe(III) reduction by iron-limited Chlamydomonas cells (X. Xue et al., 1998, J. Phycol. 34: 939-944). At saturating irradiance, the rate of ferricyanide reduction was stimulated almost 3-fold, and this stimulation was inhibited by 3-(3',4'-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea. Ferricyanide reduction during photosynthesis resulted in approximately a 50% inhibition of photosynthetic CO2 fixation at saturating irradiance, and almost 100% inhibition of CO2 fixation at sub-saturating irradiance. Photosynthesis by iron-sufficient cells was not affected by ferricyanide addition. Addition of 250 microM ferricyanide to iron-limited cells in which photosynthesis was inhibited (either by the presence of glycolaldehyde, or by maintaining the cells at the CO2 compensation point) resulted in a stimulation in the rate of gross photosynthetic O2 evolution. Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements indicated a large increase in non-photochemical quenching during ferricyanide reduction in the light; the increase in nonphotochemical quenching was abolished by the addition of nigericin. These results suggest that reduction of extracellular ferricyanide (mediated at the plasma membrane) interacts with both photosynthesis and respiration, and that both of these processes contribute NADPH in the light.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Leaf display and photosynthesis of tree seedlings in a cool-temperate deciduous broadleaf forest understorey.

To examine a possible convergence in leaf photosynthetic characteristics and leaf display responses to light environment in seedlings of three canopy and two shrub tree species in understorey of cool-temperate deciduous broadleaf forest, relationships between light environment, leaf orientation and leaf light-photosynthetic response were measured. Light capture of the seedlings (17-24 individuals with 2-12 leaves for each species) was assessed with a three dimensional geometric modeling program Y-plant. Leaf photosynthetic characteristics of the five species were found to have acclimated to the understorey light environment, i.e., low light compensation point and high apparent quantum yield. In addition, light-saturated photosynthetic rates were higher in seedlings inhabiting microsites with higher light availability. Efficiencies of light capture and carbon gain of the leaf display were evaluated by simulating the directionalities of light capture and daily photosynthesis for each seedling using hemispherical canopy photography. The results showed that most of the seedlings orientated their leaves in a way to increase the daily photosynthesis during the direct light periods (sunflecks) rather than maximize daily photosynthesis by diffuse light. Simulations also showed that daily photosynthesis would increase only 10% of that on actual leaf display when the leaves orientated to maximize the diffuse light interception. Simulations in which leaf orientations were varied showed that when the leaf display fully maximized direct light interception, the time that leaves were exposed to excessive photon flux density of >800 mumol photons m(-2) s(-1) were doubled. The understorey seedlings studied responded to the given light environments in a way to maximize the efficiency of acquisition and use of light during their short (approximately 3 month) seasonal growth period.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed2005

Physcomitrella patens and Ceratodon purpureus, mosses as model organisms in photosynthesis studies.

With the discovery of targeted gene replacement, moss biology has been rapidly advancing over the last 10 years. This study demonstrates the usefulness of moss as a model organism for plant photosynthesis research. The two mosses examined in this study, Physcomitrella patens and Ceratodon purpureus, are easily cultured through vegetative propagation. Growth tests were conducted to determine carbon sources suitable for maintaining heterotrophic growth while photosynthesis was blocked. Photosynthetic parameters examined in these plants indicated that the photosynthetic activity of Ceratodon and Physcomitrella is more similar to vascular plants than cyanobacteria or green algae. Ceratodon plants grown heterotrophically appeared etiolated in that the plants were taller and plastids did not differentiate thylakoid membranes. After returning to the light, the plants developed green, photosynthetically active chloroplasts. Furthermore, UV-induced mutagenesis was used to show that photosynthesis-deficient mutant Ceratodon plants could be obtained. After screening approximately 1000 plants, we obtained a number of mutants, which could be arranged into the following categories: high fluorescence, low fluorescence, fast and slow fluorescence quenching, and fast and slow greening. Our results indicate that in vivo biophysical analysis of photosynthetic activity in the mosses can be carried out which makes both mosses useful for photosynthesis studies, and Ceratodon best sustains perturbations in photosynthetic activity.

Bryopsida↗
PubMed2006

Photosynthesis research in Canada from 1945 to the early 1970s.

This history traces the development of photosynthesis research in Canada from 1945 to 1975, starting with the work of Gleb(1) Krotkov and his students, Paul Vittorio, Tony(1) Bidwell, Don(1) Nelson, Jim(1) Craigie, Bruce Tregunna, Andreas Hauschild, Geoff Lister and others in the Department of Biology at Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario. They focused on the influence of taxonomy and light quality on the path of carbon into early products, photorespiration and photosynthesis in young trees. During the same period, Ken(1) Clendenning and one of the authors (PRG) at the National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) laboratory in Ottawa began studies of chloroplast photoreduction and leaf carboxylases. They were joined by Don(1) Mortimer, who showed that the path of carbon varies with species of plant and by Morris Kates, who studied phospholipid enzymology in chloroplasts and leaves. Stan(1) Holt researched the chemistry and distribution of chlorophylls in different taxa. In 1952, Ralph Lewin joined NRCC's new Atlantic Regional Laboratory in Halifax, Nova Scotia, followed by Jim Craigie, Jack McLachlan and Tony Bidwell who mainly investigated the products of photosynthesis in marine algae. Tony Bidwell continued these studies in 1959 at the Department of Botany, University of Toronto. Dave(1) Canvin joined the staff at Queen's in 1965 and became involved in solving the mystery of photorespiration. Tony Bidwell returned to Queen's in 1969 and studied photosynthesis of algal chloroplasts using an 'artificial leaf.' In 1965, Don Nelson established a group at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia that included his former student, Geoff Lister who produced the first photosynthetic action spectra for trees, and Bill(1) Vidaver, who showed the useful relation between chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic activity. In 1970, Mário Fragata headed a group at the Université du Québec à Trois Rivières, Québec, that began with studies of Photosystem II in chloroplasts and particles.

Canada↗
PubMed1978

The relationship of CO2 assimilation pathways and photorespiration to the physiological quantum requirement of green plant photosynthesis.

The quantum requirement of green cells for CO2 fixation has been evaluated and discussed in view of the recent discovery of photorespiration and of multiple biochemical pathways for photosynthetic CO2 fixation. The reported quantum requirement of algae generally is near 9 quanta per CO2 fixed. It is suggested that the high CO2 concentrations and low O2 concentrations used for these algae experiments would have completely suppressed photorespiration and, therefore, the minimum number of quanta required to fix 1 CO2 molecule was correctly determined in these experiments. With higher plant leaves, when measurements are made under physiological environments, quantum requirements range from about 12 to 20 quanta per CO2 fixed. It is suggested that these physiological quantum requirements are higher because photorespiration is functional in these leaves and that photorespiration requires energy. The energy requirement of photorespiration was derived using biochemical models of leaf photosynthesis combining photorespiration with specific biochemical pathways for CO2 fixation. The calculated physiological quantum requirements for C3, C4 and CAM plant photosynthesis are 13, 15 and 17 respectively. The literature values on quantum requirements correspond well with these biochemical models of net photosynthesis. However, it was concluded that the biochemical models fail to give a complete description of photosynthesis in plants using the C4-dicarboxylic acid cycle.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed2002

Inhibition of coral photosynthesis by the antifouling herbicide Irgarol 1051.

International regulation of organotin compounds for use in antifouling paints has led to the development and increased use of replacement compounds, notably the s-triazine herbicide Irgarol 1051. Little is known about the distribution of Irgarol 1051 in tropical waters. Nor has the potential impact of this triazine upon photosynthesis of endosymbiotic microalgae (zooxanthellae) in corals been assessed. In this study Irgarol 1051 was detected in marinas, harbours and coastal waters of the Florida Keys, Bermuda and St. Croix, with concentrations ranging between 3 and 294 ng 1(-1). 14C incubation experiments with isolated zooxanthellae from the common inshore coral Madracis mirabilis showed no incorporation of H14CO3- from the sea water medium after 4-8 h exposure to Irgarol 1051 concentrations as low as 63 ng 1(-1). Reduction in net photosynthesis of intact corals was found at concentrations of l00 ng 1(-1) with little or no photosynthesis at concentrations exceeding 1000 ng 1(-1) after 2-8 h exposure at all irradiances. The data suggest Irgarol 1051 to be both prevalent in tropical marine ecosystems and a potent inhibitor of coral photosynthesis at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Effects of 2,4-D, glyphosate and paraquat on growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll-a synthesis of Scenedesmus quadricauda Berb 614.

The effects of 2,4-D, glyphosate and paraquat on growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll-a synthesis by a freshwater green alga, Scenedesmus quadricauda Berb 614, were determined. These herbicides are the most often used in Hong Kong. Within the concentration range 0.02-200 mg/l, paraquat was more toxic than glyphosate and 2,4-D to the growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll-a synthesis. The presence of 0.02, 0.2 or 2 mg/l of 2,4-D was not toxic to the alga. Algal growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll-a synthesis were stimulated by the presence of low concentrations (0.02 or 0.2 and 0.02 mg/l, respectively) of 2,4-D and glyphosate. The presence of 0.02 or 0.2 mg/l of paraquat, 2 mg/l of glyphosate or 20 mg/l of 2,4-D was significantly inhibitory to the three test parameters, whereas the presence of 2 or more mg/l of paraquat, 20 or more mg/l of glyphosate or 200 mg/l of 2,4-D completely inhibited algal growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll-a synthesis. The use of the alga as a bio-indicator of herbicide contamination in freshwater environment was discussed.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗