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PubMed1997

Anoxygenic photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation by a microbial mat community in a bahamian hypersaline lagoon.

Simultaneous measurements of photosynthesis (both oxygenic and anoxygenic) and N(inf2) fixation were conducted to discern the relationships between photosynthesis, N(inf2) fixation, and environmental factors potentially regulating these processes in microbial mats in a tropical hypersaline lagoon (Salt Pond, San Salvador Island, Bahamas). Major photoautotrophs included cyanobacteria, purple phototrophic bacteria, and diatoms. Chemosystematic photopigments were used as indicators of the relative abundance of mat phototrophs. Experimental manipulations consisted of light and dark incubations of intact mat samples exposed to the photosystem II inhibitor DCMU [3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea], a dissolved organic carbon source (D-glucose), and normal seawater (37(permil)). Photosynthetic rates were measured by both O(inf2) and (sup14)C methods, and nitrogenase activity (NA) was estimated by the acetylene reduction assay. Moderate reductions in salinity (from 74 to 37(permil)) had no measurable effect on photosynthesis, O(inf2) consumption, or NA. CO(inf2) fixation in DCMU-amended samples was (symbl)25% of that in the control (nonamended) samples and demonstrated photosynthetic activity by anoxygenic phototrophs. NA in DCMU-amended samples, which was consistently higher (by a factor of 2 to 3) than the other (light and dark) treatments, was also attributed to purple phototrophic bacteria. The ecological implication is that N(inf2) fixation by anoxygenic phototrophs (purple phototrophic bacteria and possibly cyanobacteria) may be regulated by the activity of oxygenic phototrophs (cyanobacteria and diatoms). Consortial interactions that enhance the physiological plasticity of the mat community may be a key for optimizing production, N(inf2) fixation, and persistence in these extreme environments.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Excitation energy transfer from phycobilisomes to photosystems: a phenomenon associated with the temporal separation of photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation in a cyanobacterium, Plectonema boryanum(1).

Plectonema boryanum shows temporal separation of photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation under diazotrophic conditions. Low temperature fluorescence studies have shown that in vivo the nitrogen fixing and photosynthesizing cells are adapted to 'state 2' and 'state 1', respectively. During nitrogen fixation phycobilisomes seem to transfer excitation energy to photosystem I whereas during oxygenic photosynthesis the energy is transferred to photosystem II. The state 2 adapted N-phase cells failed to undergo transition to state 1 while P-phase cells exhibited state 1 to state 2 transition. The nitrogen fixing cells showed a decreased level of psbC transcript, lack of CP47 in thylakoid membrane, and presence of the F685 peak but absence of the F695 peak in 77 K fluorescence spectra. These results suggest that the metabolic and molecular changes associated with nitrogen fixation may favor direct energy transfer from the phycobilisomes to photosystem I. This should help the organism to achieve low photosystem II and high photosystem I activity to set temporal separation of nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis for photoautotrophic growth under diazotrophic conditions.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1960

Changes in quantum yield of photosynthesis in the red alga Porphyridium cruentum caused by stepwise reduction in the intensity of light preferentially absorbed by the phycobilins.

This paper describes the relation between the quantum yield of photosynthesis in the red alga Porphyridium cruentum, and the spectral composition of light, changed by filtering white light through aqueous phycobilin solutions of increasing optical density. At sufficiently high densities of the filter solution, no measurable photosynthesis can be observed, although chlorophyll a molecules are still being excited at a significant rate, as can be proved by calculations from spectral distribution curves, and is confirmed by the occurrence of a "second Emerson effect" upon addition of orange light. An interpretation of this result, based on other experiments, will be given in a subsequent paper. A modification of the opal glass technique for reducing the effect of scattering when measuring absorption, was developed in connection with this research, and also is described in the paper.

Chlorophyll↗
PubMed1961

A persistent daily rhythm in photosynthesis.

The luminescent marine dinoflagellate, Gonyaulax polyedra, exhibits a diurnal rhythm in the rate of photosynthesis and photosynthetic capacity measured by incorporation of C(14)O(2), at different times of day. With cultures grown on alternating light and dark periods of 12 hours each, the maximum rate is at the 8th hour of the light period. Cultures transferred from day-night conditions to continuous dim light continue to show the rhythm of photosynthetic capacity (activity measured in bright light) but not of photosynthesis (activity measured in existing dim light). Cultures transferred to continuous bright light, however, do not show any rhythm. Several other properties of the photosynthetic rhythm are similar to those of previously reported rhythms of luminescence and cell division. This similarity suggests that a single mechanism regulates the various rhythms.

Circadian Rhythm↗
PubMed1961

Variation of enhancement of photosynthesis with conditions of algal growth.

The Emerson effect was observed as an enhancement of photosynthesis in long-wavelength red light when beams of shorter wavelength were added. Two light beams of wavelengths 650 and 694 mmicro, respectively, when presented together, gave a photosynthetic rate higher than the sum of the rates obtained separately. The amount of enhancement of photosynthesis depends upon the growth conditions of algal cells, and specifically on their phosphate metabolism.

Light↗
PubMed1993

Microamperometric estimation of photosynthesis inhibition in a single algal protoplast.

The single-cell level inhibition of photosynthesis by some chemicals was investigated from the light-irradiation induced response of intracellular oxygen reduction current at an ultramicroelectrode inserted into a single algal protoplast. The addition of 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU), an electron-transport inhibitor, decreased a current peak appeared immediately after the light irradiation. The pI50 value (the negative decadic logarithm of the concentration needed for 50% inhibition) was determined from the change in response patterns and found to be 6.9 for DCMU. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), an auxin herbicide, showed no effect on photosynthesis in the effective concentration range. 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP), a proton carrier, accelerated the oxygen production upon light irradiation.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗
PubMed1997

Effect of dimethoate on photosynthesis and pigment fluorescence of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

The organophosphorus (OP) insecticides are powerful inhibitors of esterases, and their toxic actions are commonly explained in terms of acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) inhibition but their phytotoxic effects remain unexplained. In this study the effects of an OP insecticide, dimethoate, on cyanobacterial photosynthesis and respiration were measured using the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 as test organism. The insecticide caused enhancement of respiratory O2 consumption at all tested concentrations (10-300 microM) while photosynthesis was found to be significantly affected at concentrations > or = 50 microM. From fluorescence emission analysis, oxygen exchange measurement, and determination of 14CO2 incorporation, it was found that dimethoate caused inhibition of photosynthetic electron transport, resulting in increase of PS II fluorescence and reduction in photosynthetic carbon fixation. An increase of nonphotochemical quenching was caused by the insecticide through the increase in acidity of the thylakoid lumen. Furthermore, detachment of phycobilisomes (PBS) from the PS II reaction centers was observed in terms of increase in PBS fluorescence in treated cultures. This detachment is expected to be caused by membrane fluidity changes. The fluorescence enhancement of PS II was more than that of the PBS.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed1999

Intact and photomodified polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons inhibit photosynthesis in natural assemblages of Lake Erie phytoplankton exposed to solar radiation.

Recently, there has been a trend toward less turbid water and greater light penetration in parts of western Lake Erie. This could lead to greater phototoxicity from sediment-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. To test photosynthesis as a bioindicator of contaminant impacts on algae, water samples containing natural assemblages of phytoplankton were collected from the western and central basins of Lake Erie. These samples were incubated with 0.2 to 2 mg L(-1) anthracene or its photomodified product 1, 2-dihydroxyanthraquinone for 60 min in darkness or in 50% sunlight, to mimic exposure of phytoplankton in the photic zone of a mixed water column. Photosynthetic efficiency was determined from filtered phytoplankton immediately after exposure using a pulse-amplitude modulated chlorophyll fluorometer. Phytoplankton incubated with chemicals in the dark demonstrated chlorophyll fluorescence values similar to those of controls. However, exposure to anthracene or 1, 2-dihydroxyanthraquinone in sunlight diminished photosystem II photosynthetic efficiency and photosynthetic quantum yield in a concentration-dependent manner. Anthracene inhibited photosynthesis at lower concentrations than 1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinone, which is consistent with the different modes of action and toxic strengths of these two contaminants. These results demonstrate that phytoplankton in Lake Erie can be subject to phototoxicity from intact and photomodified polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons after very short exposures. Further, chlorophyll fluorescence was found to be an effective bioindicator in the field for this form of chemical stress.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed1991

Expression of photosynthesis genes in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803: psaA-psaB and psbA transcripts accumulate in dark-grown cells.

We have cloned and sequenced the psaA and psaB genes from the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. These genes are arranged in tandem, are co-transcribed, and are highly homologous to the psaA and psaB genes previously characterized. RNA was isolated from light-grown cells, from cells put in total darkness with and without glucose, and from cells grown under light-activated heterotrophic growth (LAHG) conditions. Quantitation of hybridization to northern blots revealed only a slight decrease in the accumulation of the psaA-psaB transcript in cells grown in complete darkness with glucose and in LAHG cells, relative to light-grown cells. Accumulation of the psbA transcript steadily declines through dark incubation, with a steady-state level in LAHG cells 28% of that in light-grown cells. Transcripts from psbD, psaD, and rbcLS accumulate in cells grown in complete darkness and in LAHG cells to approximately the same levels as in light-grown cells. Photosynthesis gene transcripts in cells grown in the dark without glucose were detected, but were highly degraded. Our data prove that transcripts from photosynthesis genes do accumulate in dark-grown Synechocystis 6803, which may allow for synthesis and assembly of photosystem (PS) I and PS II in the dark.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

The early genetic response to light in the green unicellular alga Chlamydomonas eugametos grown under light/dark cycles involves genes that represent direct responses to light and photosynthesis.

In the green unicellular alga Chlamydomonas eugametos, cellular division is readily synchronized by light/dark cycles. Under these conditions, light initiates photosynthetic growth in daughter cells and begins the G1 phase. Genes whose expression is regulated upon illumination are likely to be important mechanisms controlling cell proliferation. To identify some of those genes, two cDNA libraries were prepared with poly(A)+ extracted from cells either stimulated with light for 1 h or held in darkness (quiescent cells) during the same period. To restrict our analysis to those genes that are part of the primary response, cells were incubated in presence of cycloheximide. Differential screening of approximately 40,000 clones in each library revealed 44 clones which hybridize preferentially with a [32P] cDNA probe derived from RNA of light-stimulated cells and 15 clones which react selectively with a [32P] cDNA probe synthesized from poly(A)+ RNA of quiescent cells. Cross-hybridization of these clones identified 4 independent sequences in the light-induced (LI) collection and 2 in the uninduced (LR) library. Four of these cDNAs correspond to mRNAs that are positively or negatively regulated upon activation of photosynthesis. One clone represents a mRNA that accumulates transitorily at both transitions. Finally, LI818 cDNA identifies a new chlorophyll a/b-binding (cab) gene family whose mRNA accumulation is controlled by light and a circadian oscillator. The endogenous timing system controls LI818 mRNA accumulation so that it precedes the onset of illumination by a few hours. On the other hand, light affects LI818 mRNA levels independently of active photosynthesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Effects of phenoxy acetic herbicides on growth, photosynthesis, and nitrogenase activity in cyanobacteria from rice fields.

The effects of the phenoxy acetic herbicides 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4D) and methylchlorophenoxy acetic acid (MCPA) on growth, photosynthesis, and nitrogenase activity of cyanobacteria has been investigated. Concentrations ranging from 10(-9) to 10(-3) M did not change significantly the parameters of Anabaena UAM 202. Concentrations higher than 10(-3) M of both herbicides were toxic. The primary toxic action of these herbicides in Anabaena UAM 202 was on photosynthesis.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗
PubMed1984

Evidence for direct roles of calcium in photosynthesis.

Calcium may function directly in several aspects of photosynthesis. It appears to modulate activity of the phosphatase enzymes in the carbon reduction cycle and also to regulate chloroplast NAD+ kinase activity through a calmodulin-like protein. Some evidence supports a calcium function in the water-splitting complex, and other evidence indicates a reaction center function in photosystem II. Calcium in reaction center II may be tightly bound in chloroplasts and weakly bound in blue-green algal thylakoids. Free calcium concentration in stroma is probably less than 10(-6) M, although the absolute concentration is not yet known. Intrathylakoid calcium content is likely very high. Stromal calcium may regulate several enzyme activities, while intrathylakoid calcium may promote photosystem II constitutively. Results to date demonstrate the need for more attention to cation composition in studies of both light and dark reactions of photosynthesis, and the need to identify free calcium levels in chloroplasts.

Calcium↗
PubMed1976

Chemical evolution of photosynthesis.

The principles of biological evolution of photosynthesis are established, but the ways of chemical evolution are unclear yet. The model systems will help to elucidate the problem. Every type of photosynthesis requires photoreceptor absorbing solar radiation. We studied as photoreceptors inorganic components of Earth crust, some coenzymes and porphyrins of abiogenic and biogenic origin. By the aid of inorganic photosensitizers (TiO2, ZnO) the models of photosystems I and II were constructed. Photochemical activation of some coenzymes may serve as an intermediate step from heterotrophic 'dark' to 'light' metabolism. The further evolution led to the separation of catalytic and photosensitizing functions. Porphin, chlorin and bacteriochlorin were formed by abiogenic synthesis. Magnesium complexes of porphyrins are active being excited by light. They are capable to reversible acceptance or donation of an electron to partner molecule. Excited Mg-complexes of porphyrins (P) are capable to transfer an electron from electron-donor (D) to electron-acceptor (A) accompanied by conversion of light quanta energy into potential chemical energy. The primary electron transfer unit (D-P-A) was incorporated into primary membrane. The transition from random to anisotropic arrangement of (D-P-A) in the membrane was plausable as a step of evolution; charge translocation appeared. (D-P-A) units created in the period of chemical evolution were probably used in the course of biological evolution. The (D-P-A) units were coupled with noncyclic and cyclic electron transfer resulting in ATP formation; coupling of two (D-P-A) units led to H2O oxidation and NADP reduction in photosynthetic organisms. The improvement of pigments biosynthesis created the phenomenon of excitation energy migration from the bulk of the pigment to (D-P-A) unit, being reactive center. The models described points the plausible steps of chemical evolution; the real sequence of events will be probably disclosed in the studies of precambrian rocks and space exploration.

Biological Evolution↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The bidirectional hydrogenase of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 works as an electron valve during photosynthesis.

The activity of the bidirectional hydrogenase of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was found not to be regulated in parallel to respiration but to photosynthesis. A mutant with a deletion in the large hydrogenase subunit gene (hoxH), which contains the active site, was impaired in the oxidation of photosystem I (PSI) when illuminated with light, which excites either PSI alone or both photosystems. The fluorescence of photosystem II (PSII) of this mutant was higher than that of wild-type cells. The transcript level of the photosynthetic genes psbA, psaA and petB was found to be different in the hydrogenase-free mutant cells compared to wild-type cells, which indicates that the hydrogenase has an effect on the regulation of these genes. Collectively, these results suggest that the bidirectional hydrogenase functions as a valve for low-potential electrons generated during the light reaction of photosynthesis, thus preventing a slowing down of electron transport. This conclusion is supported by growth curves demonstrating that the mutant cells need more time to adapt to changing light intensities. Investigations of the wild-type and deltahoxH strains strongly suggest that Synechocystis contains only the bidirectional hydrogenase, which seems to be essentially insensitive to oxygen.

Blotting, Northern↗
PubMed2004

Phylogenetic analysis of proteins associated in the four major energy metabolism systems: photosynthesis, aerobic respiration, denitrification, and sulfur respiration.

The four electron transfer energy metabolism systems, photosynthesis, aerobic respiration, denitrification, and sulfur respiration, are thought to be evolutionarily related because of the similarity of electron transfer patterns and the existence of some homologous proteins. How these systems have evolved is elusive. We therefore conducted a comprehensive homology search using PSI-BLAST, and phylogenetic analyses were conducted for the three homologous groups (groups 1-3) based on multiple alignments of domains defined in the Pfam database. There are five electron transfer types important for catalytic reaction in group 1, and many proteins bind molybdenum. Deletions of two domains led to loss of the function of binding molybdenum and ferredoxin, and these deletions seem to be critical for the electron transfer pattern changes in group 1. Two types of electron transfer were found in group 2, and all its member proteins bind siroheme and ferredoxin. Insertion of the pyridine nucleotide disulfide oxidoreductase domain seemed to be the critical point for the electron transfer pattern change in this group. The proteins belonging to group 3 are all flavin enzymes, and they bind flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) or flavin mononucleotide (FMN). Types of electron transfer in this group are divergent, but there are two common characteristics. NAD(P)H works as an electron donor or acceptor, and FAD or FMN transfers electrons from/to NAD(P)H. Electron transfer functions might be added to these common characteristics by the addition of functional domains through the evolution of group 3 proteins. Based on the phylogenetic analyses in this study and previous studies, we inferred the phylogeny of the energy metabolism systems as follows: photosynthesis (and possibly aerobic respiration) and the sulfur/nitrogen assimilation system first diverged, then the sulfur/nitrogen dissimilation system was produced from the latter system.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2004

Expression of photosynthesis-related genes and their regulation by light during somatic embryogenesis in Daucus carota.

To clarify the spatial and temporal pattern of gene expression for photosynthesis-associated proteins during somatic embryogenesis in Daucus carota L., the localization of mRNAs for three genes, rbcL, Lhcb and por, was examined in dark-grown and light-irradiated somatic embryos by in situ hybridization. The three mRNAs were expressed in common in the mesophyll precursor cells of light-irradiated embryos at the late torpedo and plantlet stages, but characteristic expression patterns of each photosynthesis-related gene were also observed. Expression of rbcL mRNA first occurred throughout the embryo but gradually became localized in the mesophyll precursor cells and cortex during early embryogenesis. Localization of Lhcb mRNA in the mesophyll precursor cells and shoot apical meristem became clear in the early torpedo stage. Expression of Lhcb mRNA was not affected by light during early embryogenesis, but could be induced by light in the torpedo stage, suggesting that light-inducible expression of Lhcb mRNA arises within the torpedo stage. At the late torpedo stage, clear localization of por mRNA started in mesophyll precursor cells of the cotyledon in light-irradiated embryos. Greening potency of the embryo also appeared first at this stage. Therefore, greening and initial differentiation of photosynthetic tissues during somatic embryogenesis seem to be associated with coordinated expression of mRNA for rbcL, Lhcb and por in late torpedo-shaped embryos.

Darkness↗
PubMed2004

Potential mechanisms of low-temperature tolerance of C4 photosynthesis in Miscanthus x giganteus: an in vivo analysis.

Miscanthus x giganteus (Greef & Deuter ex Hodkinson & Renvoize) is unique among C4 species in its remarkable ability to maintain high photosynthetic productivity at low temperature, by contrast to the related C4 NADP-malic enzyme-type species Zea mays L. In order to determine the in vivo physiological basis of this difference in photosynthesis, water vapor and CO2 exchange and modulated chlorophyll fluorescence were simultaneously monitored on attached leaf segments from plants grown and measured at 25/20 degrees C or 14/11 degrees C (day/night temperature). Analysis of the response of photosynthesis to internal CO2 concentration suggested that ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and/or pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) play a more important role in determining the response to low temperature than does phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPc). For both species at both temperatures, the linear relationship between operating efficiency of whole-chain electron transport through photosystem II (Phi(PSII)) and the efficiency of CO2 assimilation (Phi(CO2)) was unchanged and had a zero intercept, suggesting the absence of non-photosynthetic electron sinks. The major limitation at low temperature could not be solely at Rubisco or at any other point in the Calvin cycle, since this would have increased leakage of CO2 to the mesophyll and increased Phi(PSII)/Phi(CO2). This in vivo analysis suggested that maintenance of high photosynthetic rates in M. x giganteus at low temperature, in contrast to Z. mays, is most likely the result of different properties of Rubisco and/or PPDK, reduced susceptibility to photoinhibition, and the ability to maintain high levels of leaf absorptance during growth at low temperature.

Acclimatization↗
PubMed2005

Decreased sucrose-6-phosphate phosphatase level in transgenic tobacco inhibits photosynthesis, alters carbohydrate partitioning, and reduces growth.

The aim of this work was to examine the role of sucrose-6-phosphate phosphatase (SPP; EC 3.1.3.24) in photosynthetic carbon partitioning. SPP catalyzes the final step in the pathway of sucrose synthesis; however, until now the importance of this enzyme in plants has not been studied by reversed-genetics approaches. With the intention of conducting such a study, transgenic tobacco plants with reduced SPP levels were produced using an RNA interference (RNAi) strategy. Transformants with less than 10% of wild-type SPP activity displayed a range of phenotypes, including those that showed inhibition of photosynthesis, chlorosis, and reduced growth rates. These plants had strongly reduced levels of sucrose and hexoses but contained 3-5 times more starch than the control specimens. The leaves were unable to export transient starch during extended periods of darkness and as consequence showed a starch- and maltose-excess phenotype. This indicates that no alternative mechanism for carbon export was activated. Inhibition of SPP resulted in an approximately 1,000-fold higher accumulation of sucrose-6-phosphate (Suc6P) compared to wild-type leaves, whereas the content of hexose-phosphates was reduced. Although the massive accumulation of Suc6P in the cytosol of transgenic leaves was assumed to impair phosphate-recycling into the chloroplast, no obvious signs of phosphate-limitation of photosynthesis became apparent. 3-Phosphoglycerate (3-PGA) levels dropped slightly and the ATP/ADP ratio was not reduced in the transgenic lines under investigation. It is proposed that in SPP-deficient plants, long-term compensatory responses give rise to the observed acceleration of starch synthesis, increase in total cellular Pi content, decrease in protein content, and related reduction in photosynthetic activity.

Carbohydrate Metabolism↗