Exposure to ultraviolet radiation delays photosynthetic recovery in Arctic kelp zoospores

Seasonal reproduction in some Arctic Laminariales coincides with increased UV-B radiation due to stratospheric ozone depletion and relatively high water temperatures during polar spring. To find out the capacity to cope with different spectral irradiance, the kinetics of photosynthetic recovery was investigated in zoospores of four Arctic species of the order Laminariales, the kelps Saccorhiza dermatodea, Alaria esculenta, Laminaria digitata, and Laminaria saccharina. The physiology of light harvesting, changes in photosynthetic efficiency and kinetics of photosynthetic recovery were measured by in vivo fluorescence changes of Photosystem II (PSII). Saturation irradiance of freshly released spores showed minimal I _k values (photon fluence rate where initial slope intersects horizontal asymptote of the curve) values ranging from 13 to 18 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹ among species collected at different depths, confirming that spores are low-light adapted. Exposure to different radiation spectra consisting of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR; 400–700 nm), PAR+UV-A radiation (UV-A; 320–400 nm), and PAR+ UV-A+UV-B radiation (UV-B; 280–320 nm) showed that the cumulative effects of increasing PAR fluence and the additional effect of UV-A and UV-B radiations on photoinhibition of photosynthesis are species specific. After long exposures, Laminaria saccharina was more sensitive to the different light treatments than the other three species investigated. Kinetics of recovery in zoospores showed a fast phase in S. dermatodea, which indicates a reduction of the photoprotective process while a slow phase in L. saccharina indicates recovery from severe photodamage. This first attempt to study photoinhibition and kinetics of recovery in zoospores showed that zoospores are the stage in the life history of seaweeds most susceptible to light stress and that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) effectively delays photosynthetic recovery. The viability of spores is important on the recruitment of the gametophytic and sporophytic life stages. The impact of UVR on the zoospores is related to the vertical depth distribution of the large sporophytes in the field.     

不同天气类型下UV-B辐射对高山植物美丽风毛菊叶片PSII光化学效率的影响分析

以中国科学院海北高寒草甸试验站地区的美丽风毛菊(Saussurea superba)为材料, 通过短期滤除自然光谱中紫外线B (UV-B)辐射成分的途径, 研究了UV-B辐射对叶片光系统II (PSII)光化学效率的影响。不同天气的归纳分析表明, 随可见光辐射的降低, 暗适应3 min的PSII最大光化学量子效率(F_(v)/F_(m))显著升高; 与此同时PSII实际光化学量子效率(Φ_PSII)和光化学猝灭系数(q_P)也显著升高, 非光化学猝灭系数(NPQ)则显著降低。滤除UV-B辐射后, 3种典型天气类型下的F_(v)/F_(m)均略有升高趋势; 且Φ_PSII和q_P增加, 而NPQ略有降低趋势。量子效率的相对限制(L_(PFD))和PSII反应中心开放程度(q_L)的进一步分析表明, UV-B辐射能显著影响辅酶A还原状态, 对高山植物美丽风毛菊的光合机构具有负影响。综上可知, 自然光中的可见光辐射是影响PSII激发能捕获效率的重要因素, PSII反应中心的光化学效率和非光化学能量耗散主要受光和有效辐射的影响; 滤除UV-B成分能减缓PSII反应中心的光抑制程度。     

Influence of UV radiation and visible light on Porphyra umbilicalis: Photoinhibition and MAA concentration

Porphyra umbilicalis was cultured under constant light conditions but showed a diurnal pattern in chlorophyll fluorescence. Photoinhibition after light treatment was determined by PAM fluorescence measurements. Treatment with only UV irradiation caused a slow but steady decline in the effective photosynthetic quantum yield from which there was no recovery. Solar simulated irradiation led to a large decrease in quantum yield after short periods of irradiation; partial recovery occurred after shading the samples. No significant difference was found between samples exposed to PAR only or to PAR + UV-A and/or UV-B irradiation. Determination of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs)before and during exposure to solar simulated irradiation showed a high initial concentration of MAAs but no increase due to the irradiance treatment. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Photoinhibition in common atlantic macroalgae measured on site in Gran Canaria

The photosynthetic quantum yield was analysed in four common atlantic macroalgae, the Rhodophytes Gelidium arbuscula and Halopithys incurvus and the Phaeophytes Halopteris scoparia and Lobophora variegata in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands at their growth site. The fluorescence parameters were measured using a portable pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometer (PAM 2000) instrument and a diving PAM under water without removing the thalli from their growth sites. Solar radiation was monitored continuously above and under water during the whole experimental period using two three-channel dosimeters (European light dosimeter network; ELDONET) (Real Time Computer, M?hrendorf, Germany). These instruments measure solar radiation in three wavelength ranges, ultraviolet (UV)-A, UV-B and photosynthetic active radiation (PAR). In all four algae the effective photosynthetic quantum yield decreased significantly from the optimal values measured after dark adaptation due to exposure to 15 min solar radiation, but at least partially recovered subsequently in the shade within several hours. Increasing the exposure period to 30 min intensified the photoinhibition. In some algae no recovery was observed after this treatment and in others no significant recovery could be detected. Exposure to unfiltered solar radiation caused a significantly higher photoinhibition than PAR-only radiation or PAR plus UV-A. A substantial inhibition was found in all algae at their growth sites in the water column when the sun was at high angles, as measured with the diving PAM. Received in revised form: 15 May 2000 Electronic Publication     

短期UV-B辐射对青藏高原美丽风毛菊PS Ⅱ光化学效率的影响

通过短期增补UV-B辐射模拟试验,研究了青藏高原典型天气(晴天、多云、阴天)下高山植物美丽风毛菊叶片的叶绿素荧光参数变化.结果表明:随天气由晴变阴,美丽风毛菊叶片暗适应3 min的PSⅡ最大光化学量子效率(Fv/Fm)显著升高,实际PSⅡ光化学效率(ФPSⅡ)和光化学猝灭系数(qp)也升高,而非光化学猝灭系数(NPQ)则降低,可见光辐射(PAR)是影响PSⅡ光能转化效率的主要因素.增补UV-B辐射后,3种典型天气下,美丽风毛菊叶片的Fv/Fm和NPQ略有降低,ФPSⅡ和qp略微增加,但对光合气体交换过程没有产生负影响.叶片净光合速率Pn和ФPSⅡ的增高趋势与增补UV-B辐射下相对较多的UV-A成分有关,同时也得益于叶片厚度的增加.UV-B辐射对叶片光合机构具有潜在负影响.     

Effects of UV-B radiation on photosynthesis and growth of terrestrial plants

The photosynthetic apparatus of some plant species appears to be well-protected from direct damage from UV-B radiation. Leaf optical properties of these species apparently minimizes exposure of sensitive targets to UV-B radiation. However, damage by UV-B radiation to Photosystem II and Rubisco has also been reported. Secondary effects of this damage may include reductions in photosynthetic capacity, RuBP regeneration and quantum yield. Furthermore, UV-B radiation may decrease the penetration of PAR, reduce photosynthetic and accessory pigments, impair stomatal function and alter canopy morphology, and thus indirectly retard photosynthetic carbon assimilation. Subsequently, UV-B radiation may limit productivity in many plant species. In addition to variability in sensitivity to UV-B radiation, the effects of UV-B radiation are further confounded by other environmental factors such as CO₂, temperature, light and water or nutrient availability. Therefore, we need a better understanding of the mechanisms of tolerance to UV-B radiation and of the interaction between UV-B and other environmental factors in order to adequately assess the probable consequences of a change in solar radiation.Abbreviations A_max light and CO₂ saturated rate of oxygen evolution - Ci internal CO₂ concentration - F_v/F_m ratio of variable to total fluorescence yield - PAR photosynthetically active radiation (400–700 nm) - PS II Photosystem II - _app apparent quantum yield of photosynthesis - SLW specific leaf weight - UV-B ultraviolet-B radiation between 290–320 nm     

滤除自然光中UV-B辐射成分对高山植物美丽风毛菊光合生理的影响

采用滤除自然光谱中UV-B辐射成分的方法, 探讨了高山植物美丽风毛菊(Saussurea superba)光合机构对青藏高原强UV-B辐射的响应和适应特性。结果表明, 强太阳光中的UV-B成分能引起净光合速率的降低。连续16天不同天气下的观测表明, 滤除UV-B处理时3 min暗适应的光化学量子效率有升高的趋势; 晴天下稳态光化学效率的分析也显示滤除UV-B处理的实际光化学量子效率和光化学猝灭系数有升高趋势, 意味着自然光中的UV-B成分可限制美丽风毛菊叶片PSII反应中心的激发能捕获效率。PSII有效光化学量子效率的增加和非光化学猝灭系数的降低进一步表明, UV-B辐射能导致有效光化学效率的降低和非光化学能量耗散的增加。由上可知, 自然强UV-B辐射是限制美丽风毛菊叶片光合作用的一个因素。滤除UV-B辐射处理对光合色素含量的影响较小, 无论以叶面积还是叶鲜重为基础的滤除UV-B处理仅有微弱的增加趋势, 说明强UV-B辐射具有加速光合色素的光氧化进程, 促进细胞成熟和叶片衰亡的潜在作用。同样UV-B吸收物质的含量也几乎没有变化, 表明强太阳辐射环境下生活的高山植物美丽风毛菊叶表皮层中已具有较多的紫外线屏蔽物质, 足以抵御目前环境中强太阳UV-B辐射可能引起的伤害, 较少受UV-B辐射波动的影响。     

高山植物美丽风毛菊PSII光化学效率和光合色素对短期增补UV-B辐射的响应

在中国科学院海北高寒草甸生态系统实验站的综合观测场, 于植物生长季的不同月份进行短期增补UV-B辐射的模拟试验, 研究了高山植物美丽风毛菊(Saussurea superba)的PSII光化学效率、光合色素和UV-B吸收物质对增强UV-B辐射的响应。结果表明, 尽管差异不显著, 暗适应3 min的PSII最大光化学量子效率在不同月份均有降低的趋势, 说明增强UV-B辐射能加剧光合机构的光抑制。不同月份短期增补UV-B辐射均引起光下PSII实际光化学量子效率和光化学猝灭系数的降低, 以及非光化学猝灭系数的增高, 表明增强UV-B辐射能降低叶片的光能捕获效率, 促进非光化学能量耗散过程。增补UV-B辐射后, 叶片光合色素的含量略有降低趋势, 可能与短时间内光合色素形成过程受抑制和光氧化程度的加剧, 以及叶片厚度的略微降低有关。UV-B吸收物质的含量在不同月份没有一致和较为显著的变化, 说明高原强UV-B环境下生存的美丽风毛菊叶表皮层中由类黄酮和衍生多酚类组成的内部紫外屏蔽物质相对稳定, 倾向于较少受增补UV-B辐射的影响。     

短期UV-B辐射对青藏高原美丽风毛菊PSⅡ光化学效率的影响

通过短期增补UV-B辐射模拟试验,研究了青藏高原典型天气(晴天、多云、阴天)下高山植物美丽风毛菊叶片的叶绿素荧光参数变化.结果表明: 随天气由晴变阴,美丽风毛菊叶片暗适应3 min的PSⅡ最大光化学量子效率(F_v/F_m)显著升高,实际PSⅡ光化学效率(Φ_PSⅡ)和光化学猝灭系数(q_P)也升高,而非光化学猝灭系数(NPQ)则降低,可见光辐射（PAR）是影响PSⅡ光能转化效率的主要因素.增补UV-B辐射后,3种典型天气下,美丽风毛菊叶片的F_v/F_m和NPQ略有降低,Φ_PSⅡ和q_P略微增加,但对光合气体交换过程没有产生负影响.叶片净光合速率P_n和Φ_PSⅡ的增高趋势与增补UV-B辐射下相对较多的UV-A成分有关,同时也得益于叶片厚度的增加. UV-B辐射对叶片光合机构具有潜在负影响.     

Effects of changes in ambient PAR and UV radiation on the nutritional quality of an Arctic diatom (Thalassiosira antarctica var. borealis)

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential macromolecules that are synthesized by phytoplankton during spring bloom, and they play a key role in the Arctic food web. They are, however, considered to be sensitive to oxidation by UV radiation (280-400 nm). Changes in the food quality of primary producers may affect the transport of biomass and energy in the whole ecosystem. Using a common Arctic diatom, we looked at the effect of ambient and increased UV radiation on its nutritional quality, specifically, the fatty acid composition and elemental ratios. In May 2004, in the archipelago of Svalbard (79° N), a unialgal culture of Thalassiosira antarctica var. borealis was subjected to a 17-day experiment in outdoor aquaria. The diatoms were kept in semi-continuous culture (40 1) and exposed to three treatments with different levels of UV radiation: none (UV-shielded), ambient, and enhanced. Fatty acid composition, C:N:P ratios, photosynthetic pigment composition, optimum quantum yield of PSII, and cell numbers were analysed over the experimental period. An initial increase in PAR (photosynthetically active radiation, 400-700 nm) intensities profoundly affected the fatty acid composition and substantially inhibited the synthesis of PUFAs, but the relative amounts of PUFAs were not reduced by UV radiation. Enhanced UV radiation did, however, cause a significant reduction in optimum quantum yield of PSII and affected some fatty acids, mainly 18:0 and 16:1 n-7, during the first week of the experiment. Both ambient and enhanced UV radiation caused significantly lower C:P and N:P ratios. At the same time, these treatments elicited a higher relative content of the photoprotective pigments diadinoxanthin and diatoxanthin. After acclimation to the new light levels these effects faded off. Thus, brief periods with high light exposure may cause significant changes in photosynthetic activity and food quality, but the capacity for photo-acclimation seems high. The impact of UV radiation seems to be less important for food quality than that of PAR during a sudden rise in total light intensity.     

Photosynthetic performance of the Atlantic brown macroalgae, Cystoseira abies-marina, Dictyota dichotoma and Sargassum vulgare, measured in Gran Canaria on site

Photosynthetic performance was determined in three common Atlantic brown macroalgae, Cystoseira abies-marina, Dictyota dichotoma and Sargassum vulgare, in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, on site. The photosynthetic quantum yield was measured with both a portable PAM instrument on site and a diving PAM under water in the habitat. In parallel, solar radiation was measured continuously above and under water by means of two three-channel dosimeters, ELDONET (Real Time Computer, M?hrendorf, Germany), in three wavelength ranges, UV-A, UV-B and PAR. The effective photosynthetic quantum yield decreased in all species in response to exposure to 15 min of solar radiation but recovered in the subsequent shade conditions within several hours. A 30-min exposure caused an even more profound photoinhibition from which the algae recovered only partially. Most of the effect was due to visible radiation, however, the UV wavelength range, and especially UV-B, considerably enhanced the decrease in photosynthetic quantum yield. In all species except Sargassum a significant photoinhibition was detected at their growth sites at high solar angles in the water column, measured with the diving PAM.     

CaCl_2对UV-B辐射下菠菜叶片光合特性的影响

以"丹麦旺盛菠菜"为材料,通过UV-B和CaCl2复合处理,测定光合色素含量、Hill反应活力、叶绿素荧光、MDA含量和抗氧化酶活性等参数,探讨了CaCl2对UV-B辐射下菠菜叶片电子传递链和光合膜酶保护系统的影响。结果表明,UV-B处理下,光合色素含量、chl/car、类囊体膜上PSII潜在活性(Fv/Fo)、光化学淬灭系数(qP)、非光化学淬灭系数(qN)、PSII光量子产量(ΦPSⅡ)、原初光能转化效率(Fv/Fm),以及Hill反应活力等降低,chla/chlb和MDA含量升高;喷洒CaCl2可不同程度缓解UV-B的伤害。不同处理下,POD、SOD和CAT活性的变化呈现补偿效应。UV-B强度与菠菜叶片PSII功能受损程度呈正相关,CaCl2则主要通过提高chlb含量、类囊体膜上的光量子产量和POD活性,以缓解伤害。重度UV-B辐射下,CaCl2使chlb含量显著提高可能是导致PSII捕光效率提高的重要因素。     

Photosynthesis of two moss crusts from the Tengger Desert with contrasting sensitivity to supplementary UV-B radiation

Predicting the effects of increased ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation due to stratospheric ozone depletion on temperate desert ecosystems requires better knowledge of the ecophysiological response of common moss species. The aim of the current work was to determine whether elevated UV-B radiation affected photosynthetic performance and chloroplast ultrastructure of two moss crusts and whether response differences were observed between the crusts. In laboratory experiments, Bryum argenteum and Didymodon vinealis, which show microdistributions and are dominant in soil crusts at the Tengger Desert, Northern China, were subjected to four levels of UV-B radiation of 2.75 (control), 3.08, 3.25, and 3.41 W m^?2 for 10 days, simulating 0, 6, 9, and 12% of stratospheric ozone at the latitude of Shapotou, respectively. The results showed that chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters (i.e., the maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, and photochemical quenching coefficient), pigment contents, soluble protein contents, and the ultrastructure were negatively influenced by elevated UV-B radiation and the degree of detrimental effects significantly increased with the intensity of UV-B radiation. Moreover, results indicated that B. argenteum was probably more sensitive to supplementary UV-B radiation than D. vinealis. Therefore, we propose the use of B. argenteum crusts as a bioindicator of responses to elevated UV-B radiation.     

Photosynthetic performance of Arctic macroalgae after transplantation from deep to shallow waters

Transplantation experiments conducted in the Arctic Kongsfjord (Spitsbergen) in summer 1997 investigated the effects of various types of filtered natural radiation (solar, solar without UV-B, solar without UV-A/B) on photosynthesis of various macroalgae. Two brown algal species (Laminaria solidungula, Saccorhiza dermatodea) and four red algal species (Palmaria palmata, Phycodrys rubens, Phyllophora truncata, Ptilota plumosa) were collected from deeper waters, kept in UV-transparent plexiglass tubes wrapped with different spectral cut-off filter foils and positioned at fixed depths in shallow waters for 7-9 days. At regular intervals, chlorophyll fluorescence of photosystem II (optimum quantum yield, F_v/F_m) was determined, as an indicator of photosynthetic performance. The data demonstrate that shallow-water species such as P. palmata are much less affected by natural photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and UV radiation near the surface than extremely sensitive deep-water species such as Phyc. rubens which exhibited strong decreases in photosynthetic performance, as well as photobleaching of part of the thallus. The other species showed intermediate response patterns. In most species investigated inhibition of photosynthesis was mainly caused by the UV-B wavelengths. Interpretation of the data clearly indicates species-specific tolerances of photosynthesis to ambient solar radiation which can be explained by broad physiological acclimation potentials and/or genetic adaptation to certain (low or high) irradiances. The species-specific photosynthetic performance under radiation stress is in good accordance with the vertical distribution of the macroalgae on the shore.     

Photoinhibition by visible and ultraviolet radiation in the red macroalga Porphyra umbilicalis grown in the laboratory

Photosynthetic oxygen production and PAM fluorescence measurements were used to follow photoinhibition in the red macroalga Porphyra umbilicalis. Exposure to simulated solar radiation caused inhibition of the effective photosynthetic quantum yield from which the thalli partially recovered in the shade in subsequent hours. There were no significant differences between samples exposed to unfiltered radiation and those exposed to radiation from which increasing portions of UV radiation had been removed indicating that the thalli are well adapted to current levels of solar PAR and UV radiation. This notion was supported by the finding of high concentrations of UV screening pigments which were even enhanced by exposure to increased UV radiation. However, when exposed to (only) UV radiation about 50% higher than that encountered by the organisms in their natural habitat, the photosynthetic yield decreased slowly and did not show any recovery even when the degree of inhibition did not exceed 10%.     

Phenylpropanoid compounds in primary leaf tissues of rye (Secale cereale). Light response of their metabolism and the possible role in UV-B protection

The present study was undertaken in order to investigate the suitability of certain markers for UV plant response. In addition, we attempted to link the internal tissue distribution of specific UV-absorbing compounds to profiles of radiation gradients within intact primary rye leaves ( Secale cereale L. cv. Kustro). Etiolated rye seedlings irradiated with low visible light (LL) and/or UV radiation were used to study enzyme activities of the two key enzymes, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and chalcone synthase (CHS), together with the tissue-specific accumulation of soluble phenylpropanoid products. Plants grown under relatively high visible light (HL) with or without supplementary UV-B radiation were used for further characterization. Apparent quantum yield and fluorescence quenching parameters were monitored to assess potential physiological changes due to UV-B exposure in HL-grown seedlings. A quartz fibreoptic microprobe was used to characterize the internal UV-B gradient of the leaf. The response of the phenylpropanoid metabolism to UV radiation was similar in primary leaves of both etiolated and HL-treated green plants. The epidermis-specific flavonoids together with CHS activity turned out to be suitable markers for assessing the effect of UV on the phenolic metabolism. The functional role of phenylpropanoid compounds was strongly implicated in protecting rye from UV-B radiation.     

Effects of solar UV-B radiation on canopy structure of Ulva communities from southern Spain

Within the sheltered creeks of Cádiz bay, Ulva thalli form extended mat-like canopies. The effect of solar ultraviolet radiation on photosynthetic activity, the composition of photosynthetic and xanthophyll cycle pigments, and the amount of RubisCO, chaperonin 60 (CPN 60), and the induction of DNA damage in Ulva aff. rotundata Bliding from southern Spain was assessed in the field. Samples collected from the natural community were covered by screening filters, generating different radiation conditions. During daily cycles, individual thalli showed photoinhibitory effects of the natural solar radiation. This inhibition was even more pronounced in samples only exposed to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Strongly increased heat dissipation in these samples indicated the activity of regulatory mechanisms involved in dynamic photoinhibition. Adverse effects of UV-B radiation on photosynthesis were only observed in combination with high levels of PAR, indicating the synergistic effects of the two wavelength ranges. In samples exposed either to PAR+UV-A or to UV-B+UV-A without PAR, no inhibition of photosynthetic quantum yield was found in the course of the day. At the natural site, the top layer of the mat-like canopies is generally completely bleached. Artificially designed Ulva canopies exhibited fast bleaching of the top layer under the natural solar radiation conditions, while this was not observed in canopies either shielded from UV or from PAR. The bleached first layer of the canopies acts as a selective UV-B filter, and thus prevents subcanopy thalli from exposure to harmful radiation. This was confirmed by the differences in photosynthetic activity, pigment composition, and the concentration of RubisCO in thalli with different positions within the canopy. In addition, the induction of the stress protein CPN 60 under UV exposure and the low accumulation of DNA damage indicate the presence of physiological protection mechanisms against harmful UV-B. A mechanism of UV-B-induced inhibition of photosynthesis under field conditions is proposed.     

Chlorophyll content and photosystem II efficiency in soybean exposed to supplemental ultraviolet-B radiation

Chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence parameters and rapid light curves of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] were measured by pulse amplitude modulation fluorometry. Measurements were taken during different stages of soybean growth under field conditions with 20% enhancement in ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. Results showed that supplemental UV-B radiation decreased Chl contents by 5.5% (P=0.048), 8.7% (P=0.046), and 10.5% (P=0.005) in seedling, in branching-flowering, and in pod-setting stages, respectively. In the branching-flowering and pod-setting stages, maximum quantum yield of photosystem (PS) II photochemistry (F_v/F_m) decreased by 6.1% (P=0.001) and 3.0% (P=0.009), respectively. Supplemental UV-B radiation significantly decreased the effective quantum yield (Y). The photosynthetic capacity at light saturation (P_m) also decreased in both the seedling and branching-flowering stages by 28.9% (P=0.007) and 15.5% (P=0.041), respectively. However, Y and Pm showed no significant difference in the trefoil and pod-setting stages with and without the UV treatment. The light saturation parameter (E _k) decreased by 21.1% (P=0.000) and 23.2% (P=0.029) in the trefoil and seedling stages, respectively. Moreover, the initial slope (α) decreased by 21.1% (P=0.001) in the branching-flowering stage. Nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) in the seedling stage and photochemical quenching coefficient (q_p) in the branching-flowering stage decreased significantly under UV-B treatments. The results of the present study suggest that supplemental UV-B radiation adversely affected Chl content and electron transport activity in PSII and consequently decreased the photosynthetic efficiency of soybean plants.     

Acclimation to low ultraviolet-B radiation increases photosystem I abundance and cyclic electron transfer with enhanced photosynthesis and growth in the cyanobacterium Nostoc sphaeroides

Ultraviolet-B radiation is known to harm most photosynthetic organisms with the exception of several studies of photosynthetic eukaryotes in which UV-B showed positive effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of acclimation to low UV-B radiation on growth and photosynthesis of the cyanobacterium Nostoc sphaeroides. Exposure to 0.08 W m⁻² UV-B plus low visible light for 14 d significantly increased the growth rate and biomass production by 16% and 30%, respectively, compared with those under visible light alone. The UV-B acclimated cells showed an approximately 50% increase in photosynthetic efficiency (α) and photosynthetic capacity (P_max), a higher PSI/PSII fluorescence ratio, an increase in PSI content and consequently enhanced cyclic electron flow, relative to those of non-acclimated cells. Both the primary quinone-type acceptor and plastoquinone pool re-oxidation were up-regulated in the UV-B acclimated cells. In parallel, the UV-B acclimated colonies maintained a higher rate of D1 protein synthesis following exposure to elevated intensity of UV-B or visible light, thus functionally mitigating photoinhibition. The present data provide novel insight into photosynthetic acclimation to low UV-B radiation and suggest that UV-B may act as a positive ecological factor for the productivity of some photosynthetic prokaryotes, especially during twilight periods or in shaded environments.     

Influence of high light and UV-B radiation on photosynthesis and D1 turnover in atrazine-tolerant and -sensitive cultivars of Brassica napus

An atrazine-tolerant mutant and an atrazine-sensitive cultivar of Brassica napus L. were grown under visible radiation (400 mumol m-2 s-1, photosynthetically active radiation, PAR) and then subjected to treatment conditions. These included short-term high PAR (1600 mumol m-2 s-1) which was given for 4 h either alone or in combination with an enhanced level of UV-BBE radiation (4.6 kJ m-2 h-1 biologically effective UV-B, 280-320 nm). Recovery from the radiation treatment was studied for 4 h under the light conditions for growth. Since it is known that the atrazine-tolerant mutant is susceptible to photoinhibition, one of the aims of the present study was to determine the effects of a supplemental, enhanced level of UV-B radiation with regard to the mutant. The results indicate an additive effect of UV-B radiation on Fv/Fm, photochemical yield and photosynthetic oxygen evolution during both exposure and recovery, and also a higher susceptibility of the mutant to photoinhibitory PAR conditions alone and in combination with UV-B, which may have implications in a changing environment. Both cultivars also showed a higher D1 turnover during the radiation stress than during recovery, as shown by immunoblotting and 35S-methionine incorporation measurements.