Chlorophyll a Fluorescence Analysis in Response to Excitation Irradiance in Bean Plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. and Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) Submitted to High Temperature Stress

Bean plants Phaseolus vulgaris L. (cv. Carioca and Negro Huasteco) and Vigna unguiculata L. Walp (cv. Epace-10) were grown in a growth chamber with a photosynthetic photon flux density of 200 mol m^–2 s^–1 at leaf level and air temperature of 25+1 °C. Fully expanded, first pair leaves of 12-d-old plants were submitted for 90 min to high temperature (25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 48 °C). Chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters (ETR, q_P, q_N, and F₀) were investigated using a modulated fluorimeter at 25 °C during recovery considered here as 48 h after stress induction period. An accentuated decrease in q_P and an increase in q_N at 48 °C in Carioca and Negro Huasteco was not observed in Epace-10. In response to excitation irradiance a great potential for ETR was found in Negro Huasteco at 25 °C, also demonstrated by net photosynthetic rate. At 48 °C ETR was high for Epace-10 while it was equal to zero for Carioca and Negro Huasteco. Tolerance to high temperature observed in Epace-10 provided important information about the adaptative characteristics of Vigna cultivars to warm climates.     

Photosynthetic response of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus ilex</Emphasis> L. plants grown on compost and exposed to increasing photon flux densities and elevated CO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Quercus ilex plants grown on two different substrates, sand soil (C) and compost (CG), were exposed to photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD) at 390 and 800 μmol(CO₂) mol⁻¹ (C₃₉₀ and C₈₀₀). At C₈₀₀ both C and CG plants showed a significant increase of net photosynthetic rate (P _N) and electron transport rate (ETR) in response to PPFD increase as compared to C₃₉₀. In addition, at C₈₀₀ lower non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) values were observed. The differences between C₃₉₀ and C₈₀₀ were related to PPFD. The higher P _N and ETR and the lower dissipative processes found in CG plants at both CO₂ concentrations as compared to C plants suggest that substrate influences significantly photosynthetic response of Q. ilex plants. Moreover, short-term exposures at elevated CO₂ decreased nitrate photo-assimilation in leaves independently from substrate of growth.     

两种杂交杨品系光合系统Ⅱ叶绿素荧光特征

比较研究伊犁地区两种典型杨树苗大叶杨（大叶钻天杨P.balsanifera Linn（Da））和伊犁杨5号（P.euramerieana cv（I-467））对太阳辐射光能的利用和耗散特性。光照条件下光合系统Ⅱ反应中心（PSⅡ）的最大光化学效率（Fv′/Fm′）、实际光化学效率（ΦPSⅡ）和光合功能的相对限制（L（PDF））的分析表明,高的光合有效辐射强度（PAR）会导致光合作用的光抑制,但并不造成PSⅡ反应中心的不可逆破坏。淬灭分析表明,Da的光化学淬灭系数（qP）大于I-467,非光化学淬灭（NPQ）则相反（p〈0.05）。Da的NPQ显著小于I-467的,意味着I-467将PSⅡ反应中心吸收的过剩光能以热耗散等非光化学过程消耗的能力大于Da,因而相应降低了用于qP的份额。两种杨树的NPQ日变化趋势很相似;Fv′/Fm′和ΦPSⅡ的日变化趋势相似。Da的PSⅡ天线色素吸收光能中分配于光化学反应平均的相对份额（P）高于I-467,在较低的PAR环境中Da比I-467能更好的利用光能;Da用于天线热能耗散的相对份额（D）则小于I-467,两者具有极显著差异（p〈0.01）。Da的ΦPSⅡ比I-467大,是因为PSⅡ天线色素吸收的光能中分配于P或光化学淬灭的比例较大,而分配于D或非光化学过程的比例较小的缘故,反应中心的ΦPSⅡ也较Da小。在有效的利用光能方面,Da比I-467更适宜在新疆伊犁地区大面积推广栽植。     

超氧阴离子诱导的叶绿素荧光猝灭

分别通过黄嘌呤(X)与黄嘌呤氧化酶(XO)反应和甲基紫金(MV)的作用,观察了O·-2诱导莴苣叶绿体的叶绿素荧光猝灭过程.结果表明,O-·2的产生明显使光化学猝灭(qP)和非光化学猝灭(qN)增加.叶绿体内SOD被DDC抑制后,X+XO诱导的叶绿素荧光猝灭过程中,qP下降,qN上升;MV诱导的叶绿素荧光猝灭过程中,qP上升幅度不大,qN增加不明显.当碳代谢被碘乙酰胺(JAA)抑制后, qP下降,qN上升.解偶联剂NH4Cl增加质子跨类囊体膜的通透性,导致qP增加和qN降低,加入MV后qP和qN增加不明显.分析认为,-·2的产生和及时被清除对保持光合电子传递和增加跨膜ΔpH有很重要的作用,有利于叶绿体吸收的光能得到转化和耗散,在一定程度上减轻过量光能引起的光抑制损伤.     

NPQ(T): a chlorophyll fluorescence parameter for rapid estimation and imaging of non‐photochemical quenching of excitons in photosystem‐II‐associated antenna complexes

In photosynthesis, light energy is absorbed by light‐harvesting complexes and used to drive photochemistry. However, a fraction of absorbed light is lost to non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) that reflects several important photosynthetic processes to dissipate excess energy. Currently, estimates of NPQ and its individual components (q_E, q_I, q_Z and q_T) are measured from pulse‐amplitude‐modulation (PAM) measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence yield and require measurements of the maximal yield of fluorescence in fully dark‐adapted material (F_m), when NPQ is assumed to be negligible. Unfortunately, this approach requires extensive dark acclimation, often precluding widespread or high‐throughput use, particularly under field conditions or in imaging applications, while introducing artefacts when F_m is measured in the presence of residual photodamaged centres. To address these limitations, we derived and characterized a new set of parameters, NPQ_(T), and its components that can be (1) measured in a few seconds, allowing for high‐throughput and field applications; (2) does not require full relaxation of quenching processes and thus can be applied to photoinhibited materials; (3) can distinguish between NPQ and chloroplast movements; and (4) can be used to image NPQ in plants with large leaf movements. We discuss the applications benefits and caveats of both approaches.     

Influence of Manganese Toxicity on Photosynthesis in Ricebean (Vigna Umbellata) Seedlings

Influence of manganese (Mn) toxicity on photosynthesis in ricebean (Vigna umbellata) was studied by the measurement of gas exchange characteristics and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. The net photosynthetic rate (P _N), transpiration rate (E), and stomatal conductance (g _s) were reduced with increasing Mn concentration in nutrient solution. The reduction in g _s and E was more pronounced at 6 d of Mn treatment. However, P _N declined at 2 d of Mn treatment implying that the reduction in photosynthesis was not due to the direct effect of Mn on stomatal regulation. Mn did not affect the maximum efficiency of photosystem 2 (PS2) photochemistry (F_v/F_m). A reduction in photochemical quenching (q_P) and excitation capture efficiency of open PS2 (F_v′/F_m′) with a concomitant increase in q_N was observed. This implies that reduced demand for ATP and NADPH due to the reduction in photosynthesis causes a down-regulation of PS2 photochemistry and thus a high pH gradient (increase in q_N) and limited electron transport (decreased q_P). This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Photosynthesis and non-photochemical excitation quenching components of chlorophyll excitation in maize and field bean during chilling at different photon flux density

The influence of chilling (8 °C, 5 d) at two photon flux densities [PFD, L = 200 and H = 500 μmol(photon) m⁻² s⁻¹] on the gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence was investigated in chilling-tolerant and chilling-sensitive maize hybrids (Zea mays L., K383×K130, K185×K217) and one cultivar of field bean (Vicia faba L. minor, cv. Nadwiślański). The net photosynthetic rate (P _N) for the both studied plant species was inhibited at 8 °C. P _N of both maize hybrids additionally decreased during chilling. Changes in the quantum efficiency of PS2 electron transport (Φ_PS2) as a response to chilling and PFD were similar to P _N. Measurements of Φ_PS2/Φ_CO2 ratio showed that in field bean seedlings strong alternative photochemical sinks of energy did not appear during chilling. However, the high increment in Φ_PS2/Φ_CO2 for maize hybrids can indicate reactions associated with chill damage generation. At 8 °C the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) increased in all plants with chilling duration and PFD. The appearance of protective (q_I,p) and damage (q_I,d) components of q_I and a decrease in q_E (energy dependent quenching) took place. NPQ components of field bean and maize hybrids differed from each other. The amount of protective NPQ (q_E + q_I,p) components as part of total NPQ was higher in field bean than in maize hybrids at both PFD. On 5^th day of chilling, the sum of q_E and q_I,p was 26.7 % of NPQ in tolerant maize hybrids and 17.6 % of NPQ in the sensitive one (averages for both PFD). The increased PFD inhibited the ability of all plants to perform protective dissipation of absorbed energy. The understanding of the genotypic variation of NPQ components in maize may have implications for the future selection of plants with a high chilling tolerance.     

Regulation of Photosynthesis by Radiation Quality in the Lichen Evernia prunastri

In Evernia prunastri, photosynthetic gas exchange was saturated with yellow radiation (SOX) at 400 mol m^–2s^–1, and then red (R), far-red (FR), or blue (B) radiations at irradiance of 15 mol m^–2s^–1 were added. Because of photosynthesis saturation, any stimulation or decay in CO₂ assimilation by any radiation quality could be attributed to the involvement of a non-photosynthetic photoreceptor. Thus CO₂ assimilation, effective quantum yield, and photochemical quenching were enhanced when R was included, and decreased with FR. Blue radiation completely abolished CO₂ fixation. Hence different spectral radiation qualities may activate non-photosynthetic photoreceptors such as phytochrome and blue photoreceptors, which are involved in regulating the photosynthetic activity in E. prunastri.     

Are red leaves photosynthetically active?

At irradiances close to those representing a sunny day, red and green leaves of poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) showed only minor differences in their photosynthetic capacities despite the strong differences in their pigment composition. However, contrarily to green leaves, red leaves did not show inhibition of photosynthesis at high irradiances, because anthocyanins protected chloroplasts from photoinhibition.     

Non-photochemical quenching of Fo in leaves is emission wavelength dependent: consequences for quenching analysis and its interpretation

The effects of light-induced non-photochemical quenching on the minimal F_o, and variable F_v, fluorescence emissions at 690 and 730 nm in leaves were determined. Non-photochemical quenching of F_o, but not F_v, was found to be dependent upon the wavelength of emission, and was greater at 690 nm than at 730 nm. For emission at 730, compared to at 690 nm, approx. 30% of F_o was not affected by non-photochemical quenching processes in leaves of C3 plants; in maize leaves this was found to be approx. 50%. The data indicate that a substantial proportion of the pigments contributing to F_o emission at 730 nm are not quenched by light-induced, non-photochemical quenching processes and that there are large differences in the pigment matrices contributing to F_o and F_v emissions at 730 nm, compared to those at 690 nm. These findings have important implications for the accurate estimation and interpretation of non-photochemical quenching of fluorescence parameters and their use in the calculation of photochemical efficiencies in leaves. Measurements of fluorescence emissions at wavelengths above 700 nm are likely to give rise to significant errors when used for determinations of photochemical and non-photochemical quenching parameters.     

Diurnal and Seasonal Changes in Photosynthesis and Photosystem 2 Photochemical Efficiency in Prosopis juliflora Leaves Subjected to Natural Environmental Stress

The plants of Prosopis juliflora growing in northern India are exposed to large variations of temperature, vapour pressure deficits (VPD), and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) throughout the year. Under these conditions P. juliflora had two short periods of leaf production, one after the winter season and second after summer, which resulted in two distinct even aged cohorts of leaves. In winter with cold nights (2–8 °C) and moderate temperatures during the day, the plants showed high rates of photosynthesis. In summer the midday temperatures often reached <45 °C and plants showed severe inhibition of photosynthesis. The leaves of second cohort appeared in July and showed typical midday depression of photosynthesis. An analysis of diurnal partitioning of the absorbed excitation energy into photochemistry showed that a smaller fraction of the energy was utilised for photochemistry and a greater fraction was dissipated thermally, further the photon utilisation for photochemistry and thermal dissipation is largely affected by the interaction of irradiance and temperature. The plants showed high photochemical efficiency of photosystem 2 (PS2) at predawn and very little photoinhibition in all seasons except in summer. The photoinhibition in summer was pronounced with very poor recovery during night. Since P. juliflora exhibited distinct pattern of senescence and production of new leaves after winter and summer stress period, it appeared that the ontogenic characteristic together with its ability for safe dissipation of excess radiant energy in P. juliflora contributes to its growth and survival.     

Changes in Chlorophyll Fluorescence During the Course of Photoperiod and in Response to Drought in Casuarina equisetifolia Forst. and Forst.

The effects of drought and the diurnal changes in photosynthetic electron transport were studied in non-nodulated plants of Casuarina equisetifolia. The induction of fluorescence showed a slightly higher I step in water-stressed than control plants, and the time from the start of irradiation to the P step of induction was significantly shortened by drought. The quantum efficiency of photosystem 2 (PS2) in the dark-adapted state (F_v/F_m) was generally not affected by drought, whereas it decreased during the central hours of the day. The decrease in quantum yield of PS2 electron transport (₂) in water-stressed plants was associated with decreases in the photochemical efficiency of open (oxidised) PS2 centres (F_v'/F_m') and increases in non-photochemical quenching (q_N) rather than with increased closure of PS2 centres (lowered photochemical quenching, q_P). In contrast, the changes in quantum yield of electron transport during the day were related to changes in q_P rather than in F_v'/F_m'. When chlorophyll fluorescence was measured at the same irradiance during the day, a greater q_N was observed at the end of the drying cycle than after watering, and early and late in the photoperiod than in the central hours of the day. The greater q_N at the beginning and end of the day did not prevent an increase in energy not used photochemically nor dissipated non-photochemically. Drought did not affect this excess of photon energy.     

Diurnal changes in chlorophyll fluorescence and light utilization in Colocasia esculenta leaves grown in marshy waterlogged area

Diurnal cycle of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters was done in Colocasia esculenta L. (swamp taro) grown in marshy land under sun or under shade. The sun leaves maintained higher electron transport rate (ETR) and steady state to initial fluorescence ratio (F_s/F₀) than shade leaves. In spite of lower ETR, higher photochemical quenching (PQ), and effective quantum yield of photosystem 2 (Φ_PS2) was evident in shade plants compared to plants exposed to higher irradiance. ETR increased linearly with increase in irradiance more under low irradiance (r ² = 0.84) compared to higher irradiance (r ² = 0.62). The maximum quantum yield of PS 2 (F_v/F_m) did not differ much in sun and shade leaves with the exception of midday when excess of light energy absorbed by plants under sun was thermally dissipated. Hence swamp taro plants adopted different strategies to utilize radiation under different irradiances. At higher irradiance, there was faster decline in proportion of open PS 2 centers (PQ) and excess light energy was dissipated through non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Under shade, absorbed energy was effectively utilized resulting in higher Φ_PS2.     

Two forms of the Photosystem II D1 protein alter energy dissipation and state transitions in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942

Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 (Anacystis nidulans R2) contains two forms of the Photosystem II reaction centre protein D1, which differ in 25 of 360 amino acids. D1: 1 predominates under low light but is transiently replaced by D1:2 upon shifts to higher light. Mutant cells containing only D1:1 have lower photochemical energy capture efficiency and decreased resistance to photoinhibition, compared to cells containing D1:2. We show that when dark-adapted or under low to moderate light, cells with D1:1 have higher non-photochemical quenching of PS II fluorescence (higher q_N) than do cells with D1:2. This is reflected in the 77 K chlorophyll emission spectra, with lower Photosystem II fluorescence at 697–698 nm in cells containing D1:1 than in cells with D1:2. This difference in quenching of Photosystem II fluorescence occurs upon excitation of both chlorophyll at 435 nm and phycobilisomes at 570 nm. Measurement of time-resolved room temperature fluorescence shows that Photosystem II fluorescence related to charge stabilization is quenched more rapidly in cells containing D1:1 than in those with D1:2. Cells containing D1:1 appear generally shifted towards State II, with PS II down-regulated, while cells with D1:2 tend towards State I. In these cyanobacteria electron transport away from PS II remains non-saturated even under photoinhibitory levels of light. Therefore, the higher activity of D1:2 Photosystem II centres may allow more rapid photochemical dissipation of excess energy into the electron transport chain. D1:1 confers capacity for extreme State II which may be of benefit under low and variable light.Abbreviations D1 the atrazine-binding 32 kDa protein of the PS II reaction centre core - D1:1 the D1 protein constitutively expressed during acclimated growth in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 - D1:2 an alternate form of the D1 protein induced under excess excitation in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 - DCMU 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethyl urea - Fo minimal fluorescence in the dark-adapted state - Fo minimal fluorescence in a light-adapted state - F_M maximum fluorescence with all quenching mechanisms at a minimum, measured in presence of DCMU - F_M maximal fluorescence in a light-adapted state, measured with a saturating flash - F_Mdark maximal fluorescence in the dark-adapted state - F_V variable fluorescence in a light-adapted state (F_M-Fo) - PAM pulse amplitude modulated fluorometer - q_N non-photochemical quenching of PS II fluorescence - q_N (dark) q_N in the dark adapted state - q_P photochemical quenching of fluorescence     

Measuring photosynthetic parameters in individual algal cells by Fast Repetition Rate fluorometry

A Single Cell Fast Repetition Rate (SCFRR) fluorometer was developed to measure the quantum yield of photochemistry, the functional absorption cross section of PS II and the kinetics of electron transport on the acceptor side of PS II in individual algal cells. These parameters are used to quantify the cell-specific photosynthetic performance in natural phytoplankton assembledges in aquatic ecosystems. The SCFRR technique measures chlorophyll fluorescence transients induced by a precisely controlled series of excitation flashlets that cumulatively saturate PS II within 120 s. To meet the requirement in the analysis for single algal cells, the measurements are conducted in micro volumes, such that the probability of probing more than one cell at a time is vanishingly low. We designed a novel, computer-controlled hydromechanical system to deliver a portion of the sample into the measuring chamber and, following measurement, remove it into one of six sorting containers. The fluorescence signal is induced by a series of high frequency flashlets obtained from high luminosity blue light-emitting diodes and is acquired by a novel red-sensitive PMT-based detection system exhibiting both high sensitivity and a very wide dynamic range. The wide dynamic range of the detector allows SCFRR measurements for a wide variety of cell sizes ranging from 1 to 100 m equivalent spherical diameter. The compact and light-weight design makes the SCFRR Fluorometer applicable for both laboratory and field studies.     

应用非光化学淬灭初始变化率作为浮游植物光保护能力指标的可行性

在非光化学淬灭(Non-Photochemical Quenching,NPQ)荧光诱导的早期(1 min),NPQ随时间的变化率(NPQ/t)可作为衡量浮游植物光保护能力的指标,与常用的传统指标NPQm(最大NPQ)相比,这一新指标具有更易标准化、测量效率更高且包含的信息更丰富的优点。通过实验测量和理论推导证明了NPQ/t的常数性质,并通过可控光照条件下的室内培养实验证明了应用NPQ/t反映浮游植物光保护能力的合理性和有效性:NPQ/t和NPQm、光保护色素浓度呈线性相关,高光强下培养的藻类其NPQ/t高于低光强下培养的藻类,不同藻种之间的NPQ/t:扁藻(Tetraselmis chui)牟氏角毛藻(Chaetoceros mulleri)叉鞭金藻(Dicrateria inornata)。这一方法解决了野外实测研究中传统指标难以满足结果标准化和快速测量等要求的问题,对于推动浮游植物光保护生态学研究具有重要意义。     

Mercury Increases Light Susceptibility in the Green Alga Haematococcus lacustris

The influence of mercury ions (Hg²⁺, 10 μM) on photosynthesis was investigated in flagellates and aplanospores of Haematococcus lacustris. Hg²⁺ stress resulted in a fast decrease of chlorophyll fluorescence yield. This was initially caused by an increase in reversible non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence. During further exposure to Hg²⁺, an increasing contribution of pH independent non-photochemical quenching and a parallel rise in the content of the xanthophyll cycle pigment zeaxanthin was detected. An increase of the initial chlorophyll fluorescence as a final sign of Hg²⁺ induced adverse effects on photosynthesis supports our hypothesis that mercury ions predispose to non-reversible, “chronic” photoinhibition.     

A simple model relating photoinhibitory fluorescence quenching in chloroplasts to a population of altered Photosystem II reaction centers

A model is presented describing the relationship between chlorophyll fluorescence quenching and photoinhibition of Photosystem (PS) II-dependent electron transport in chloroplasts. The model is based on the hypothesis that excess light creates a population of inhibited PS II units in the thylakoids. Those units are supposed to posses photochemically inactive reaction centers which convert excitation energy to heat and thereby quench variable fluorescence. If predominant photoinhibition of PS II and cooperativity in energy transfer between inhibited and active units are presumed, a quasi-linear correlation between PS II activity and the ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence, F_VF_M, is obtained. However, the simulation does not result in an inherent linearity of the relationship between quantum yield of PS II and F_VF_M ratio. The model is used to fit experimental data on photoinhibited isolated chloroplasts. Results are discussed in view of current hypotheses of photoinhibition.Abbreviations F_M maximum total fluorescence - F₀ initial fluorescence - F_V maximum variable fluorescence - PS Photosystem - Q_A, Q_B primary and secondary electron acceptors of Photosystem II     

On the rates of cyclic electron transport around Photosystem II in the presence of donor side limitation

Photosystem II cyclic electron transport was investigated at low pH in spinach thylakoids and PS II preparations from the cyanobacteriumPhormidium laminosum. Variable fluorescence (F_v) quenching at a very low light intensity was examined as an indicator of cyclic electron flow. A progressive quenching of F_v was observed as the pH was lowered; however, this was shown to be mainly due to an inhibition of oxygen evolution. Cyclic electron flow in the uninhibited centres was estimated to occur at a rate comparable to or smaller than 1 mole O₂ mg Chl^–1 h^–1 in the pH range 5.0 to 7.8.The quantum yeeld of oxygen production is known to decrease at low pH and has been taken to indicate cyclic electron flow (Crofts and Horton (1991) Biochim Biophys Acta 1058: 187–193). However, a direct all-or-none inhibition of oxygen production at low pH has also been reported (Meyer et al. (1989) Biochim Biophys Acta 974: 36–43). We have analysed the effects of light intensity on the rates of oxygen evolution in order to calculate _U, the quantum yield of open and uninhibited centres. _U was found to be constant over a broad pH range, and by using ferricyanide and phenyl-p-benzoquinone as electron acceptors the maximum possible rate of cyclic electron transport was equivalent to no more than 1 mole O₂ mg Chl^–1 h^–1. The rate was no greater when the acceptor was adjusted to provide the most favourable conditions for cyclic flow.     

Field photosynthetic activity of lichens in the Windmill Islands oasis, Wilkes Land, continental Antarctica

In order to ascertain whether the major species of continental antarctic macrolichens are photosynthetically active during summer conditions, the chlorophyll fluorescence of three lichen species [Umbilicarin decussata (Vill. Zahlbr., Pseudephebe minuscula (Ny-l. ex Arnold) Brodo and Hawksw. and Usnea sphacetala R. Br.] was monitored in the vicinity of Casey Station. Wilkes Land, continental Antarctica using a PAM-2000 modulated fluorescence system. Lichens were studied when in equilibrium with the atmosphere as well as when moistened by snow showers. Photochemical quantum yield was estimated as ΔF/F′_m and related to thallus water content as well as microclimatic conditions. Lichens were photosynthetically active only when moistened by snow fall or by run-off from snow melt. The levels of photosynthetic activity in the field for all species were influenced by microenvironmental conditions and patterns in response were site and species specific. Highest levels of photosynthetic efficiency occurred when thalli were at intermediate water contents. Photosynthetic activity was reduced by cold as well as warm, bright conditions. Highest thallus water contents occurred during the middle of the day after substantial “falls of snow. P. minuscula maintained highest thallus water contents at all sites and appears to have a high water compensation point which is related to its observed distribution patterns. Umbilicaria decussata studied in the laboratory did not become photosynthetically active even when exposed to 95% relative humidity (RH) for 51 h and. when dehydrating after artificial wetting, showed an optimum thallus water content for photosynthesis of ca 90% dry weight and a thallus water compensation point of about 35% dry weighl. In the field U. decussata did not become pholosynthetically active except when moistened by snow. Usnea sphacelata exposed to the atmosphere had low thallus water contents (ca 30%) which was not related to RH. The results indicate that the lichens are photosynthetically inactive for most of the summer period and are totally reliant on snow as a water supply. This i.s important when modelling carbon gain and growth rates of continental antarctic lichens.