Stimulation of growth and ion uptake in bean leaves by red and blue light

Red and blue light both stimulate growth and ion accumulation in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) leaves, and previous studies showed that the growth response is mediated by phytochrome and a blue-light receptor. Results of this study confirm that there is an additional photosynthetic contribution from the growing cells that supports ion uptake and growth. Disc expansion in the light was enhanced by exogenous K⁺ and Rb⁺, but was not specific for anions. Light increased K⁺ accumulation and the rate of ⁸⁶Rb⁺ uptake by discs, over darkness, with no effect of light quality. The photosynthetic inhibitor, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea, inhibited light-driven ⁸⁶Rb⁺ uptake by 75%. Light quality caused differences in short-term kinetics of growth and acidification of the leaf surface. At comparable fluence rates (50 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹), continuous exposure to blue light increased the growth rate 3-fold after a 2-min lag, whereas red light caused a smaller growth response after a lag of 12 min. In contrast, the acidification of the leaf surface normally associated with growth was stimulated 3-fold by red light but only slightly (1.3-fold) by blue light. This result shows that, in addition to acidification caused by red light, a second mechanism specifically stimulated by blue light is normally functioning in light-driven leaf growth.     

The combined effects of blue light and dilution rate on lipid class and fatty acid composition of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tisochrysis lutea</Emphasis>

The lipid class and the fatty acid compositions of microalgae highly influence bivalve larval and post-larval development. Light is an essential environmental factor for microalgal culture, and quantity and quality of light may induce changes in the biochemical composition of the algae. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of light spectrum (blue vs. white light) on lipid class and fatty acid compositions of Tisochrysis lutea cultured in a chemostat. Two different dilution rates (D) were assayed for each light spectrum: 0.2 and 0.7 day^?1. Triacylglycerol (TAG), sterol, and hydrocarbon (HC) content increased sharply at low D. The proportion of alkenones was significantly reduced under blue light. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and particularly n-3 PUFA, content in phospholipids (PL) increased under blue light compared to white light at low D. Thus, blue light raised 22:6(n-3) levels in total lipids of T. lutea at low D. The cultivation of T. lutea in a chemostat at low D under blue light may improve nutritional value as feed for bivalve larvae by modifying the PUFA profile, especially increasing 22:6(n-3).     

Effect of light quality on the composition and function of thylakoid membranes in atriplex triangularis

Light quality was shown to exert well-coordinated regulatory effects on the composition and function of the thylakoid membranes as well as on the photosynthetic rates of intact leaves from Atriplex triangularis grown in continuous blue, white and red lights (50 μE · m^?2 · s^?1). The higher photosynthetic rates in plants grown in blue light, as compared to those in white and red lights, resulted from marked changes in both light-harvesting complexes and electron carriers. The concentrations of electron carriers such as atrazine binding sites, plastoquinone, cytochromes b and f and P-700 on a chlorophyll basis were markedly increased in Atriplex grown in blue light; and the apparent light-harvesting antenna unit sizes of Photosystems I and II were greatly reduced. Consequently, the electron transport capacities of Photosystems I and II were also increased as was the coupling factor CF₁ activity. Atriplex grown in red light had lower photosynthetic rates than those grown in blue or white light by incorporating changes in the composition and function of the thylakoids in a direction opposite to those caused by growth in blue light. When these regulatory effects of light quality were compared with those of light quantity [6,7], it is clear that $\text{Chl}\text{a}\text{Chl}\text{b}$ ratios, electron transport capacities of Photosystems I and II, concentrations of plastoquinone, atrazine binding sites, coupling factor CF₁ activity and the apparent antenna unit size of Photosystem II are more affected by light quantity, whereas light quality has a greater influence on the concentration of P-700, the apparent antenna unit size of Photosystem I and the overall photosynthetic rates of intact leaves.     

PAS/LOV proteins: A proposed new class of plant blue light receptor

The light, oxygen or voltage (LOV) domain belongs to the Per-ARNT-Sim (PAS) superfamily of domains, and functions with the flavin chromophore as a module for sensing blue light in plants and fungi. The Arabidopsis thaliana PAS/LOV proteins (PLPs), of unknown function, possess an N-terminal PAS domain and a C-terminal LOV domain. Our recent analysis using yeast two-hybrid and Escherichia coli protein production systems reveals that the interactions of Arabidopsis PLPs with several proteins diminish under blue light illumination and that the PLP LOV domain may bind to a flavin chromophore. These results suggest that PLP functions as a blue light receptor. Homologs of PLP exist in rice, tomato and moss. The LOV domains of these PLP homologs form a distinct group in phylogenetic analysis. These facts suggest that PLP belongs to a new class of plant blue light receptor.Key words: PAS, LOV, blue light, protein-protein interaction, photoreceptor     

Contrasting Light Spectra Constrain the Macro and Microstructures of Scleractinian Corals

The morphological plasticity of scleractinian corals can be influenced by numerous factors in their natural environment. However, it is difficult to identify in situ the relative influence of a single biotic or abiotic factor, due to potential interactions between them. Light is considered as a major factor affecting coral skeleton morphology, due to their symbiotic relation with photosynthetic zooxanthellae. Nonetheless, most studies addressing the importance of light on coral morphological plasticity have focused on photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity, with the effect of light spectra remaining largely unknown. The present study evaluated how different light spectra affect the skeleton macro- and microstructures in two coral species (Acropora formosa sensu Veron (2000) and Stylophora pistillata) maintained under controlled laboratory conditions. We tested the effect of three light treatments with the same PAR but with a distinct spectral emission: 1) T5 fluorescent lamps with blue emission; 2) Light Emitting Diodes (LED) with predominantly blue emission; and 3) Light Emitting Plasma (LEP) with full spectra emission. To exclude potential bias generated by genetic variability, the experiment was performed with clonal fragments for both species. After 6 months of experiment, it was possible to detect in coral fragments of both species exposed to different light spectra significant differences in morphometry (e.g., distance among corallites, corallite diameter, and theca thickness), as well as in the organization of their skeleton microstructure. The variability found in the skeleton macro- and microstructures of clonal organisms points to the potential pitfalls associated with the exclusive use of morphometry on coral taxonomy. Moreover, the identification of a single factor influencing the morphology of coral skeletons is relevant for coral aquaculture and can allow the optimization of reef restoration efforts.     

Profiles of photosynthetic pigment accumulation and expression of photosynthesis-related genes in the marine cyanobacteria Synechococcus sp.: Effects of LED wavelengths

Light quality is a significant environmental factor that influences photosynthetic pigments in cyanobacteria. In the present study, we illuminated the marine cyanobacteria Synechococcus sp. with white (350 ～ 700 nm), red (630 nm), green (530 nm), and blue (450 nm) light emitting diodes (LEDs) and measured pigment levels (chlorophyll, carotenoid, and phycobiliprotein) and expression of photosynthesis-related genes (pebA, psbB, and psaE). The amount of photosynthetic pigments (total pigments, chlorophyll, and phycobiliproteins) was higher in the green and blue LED groups than in the white and red LED groups after 8 days of culture. The cells were prepared in a 1.5 mL solution for the analysis of the total pigments, chlorophyll, and carotenoid, and in a 2 mL for analysis of phycobiliproteins. The mRNA expression levels of pebA and psbB significantly increased after 8 days of cultivation under green and blue light, while the mRNA expression levels of psaE decreased. These results indicate that green and blue light increase the accumulation of photosynthetic pigments. In contrast red light induced mRNA expression of psaE and stimulated cell growth in Synechococcus sp.     

Light Quality Regulates Lateral Root Development in Tobacco Seedlings by Shifting Auxin Distributions

Light is an important environmental regulator of diverse growth and developmental processes in plants. However, the mechanisms by which light quality regulates root growth are poorly understood. We analyzed lateral root (LR) growth of tobacco seedlings in response to three kinds of light qualities (red, white, and blue). Primary (1°) LR number and secondary (2°) LR density were elevated under red light (on days 9 and 12 of treatment) in comparison with white and blue lights. Higher IAA concentrations measured in roots and lower in leaves of plants treated with red light suggest that red light accelerated auxin transport from the leaves to roots (in comparison with other light qualities). Corroborative evidence for this suggestion was provided by elevated DR5::GUS expression levels at the shoot/root junction and in the 2° LR region. Applications of N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) to red light-treated seedlings reduced both 1° LR number and 2° LR density to levels similar to those measured under white light; DR5::GUS expression levels were also similar between these light qualities after NPA application. Results were similar following exogenous auxin (NAA) application to blue light-treated seedlings. Direct [³H]IAA transport measurement indicated that the polar auxin transport from shoot to root was increased by red light. Red light promoted PIN3 expression levels and blue light reduced PIN1, 3–4 expression levels in the shoot/root junction and in the root, indicating that these genes play key roles in auxin transport regulation by red and blue lights. Overall, our findings suggest that three kinds of light qualities regulate LR formation in tobacco seedlings through modification of auxin polar transport.     

Light intensity and wavelength influence development, reproduction and locomotor activity in the predatory flower bug Orius sauteri (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)

Light wavelength and intensity are physical factors that can affect arthropod development and reproduction. The present study examined the development, reproduction and locomotor activity of the predatory flower bug, Orius sauteri (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), under five light intensities (1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 lux) and five wavelengths [red (678.5 nm), green (620.0 nm), yellow (581.7 nm), blue (478. 1 nm) and white (all wavelengths)] at constant temperature (25 °C) and RH (70 %). The duration of nymphal development was extended at lower light intensities, primarily due to effects on the first three instars. Under white, yellow and green light, O. sauteri completed development in 18.0 days, but blue light extended development by 3.2 days and red light extended it by 7.4 days. Although lower light intensities extended the preoviposition period and reduced fecundity, they improved egg fertility. Both red and blue light negatively affected preoviposition period, fecundity and egg fertility. Whereas adult female mean walking speed over a five min period was reduced at lower light intensities, longer wavelengths (yellow and red) increased it, ostensibly reflecting an avoidance response. The respiration quotient of adult O. sauteri females was also elevated under red light conditions. These findings are informative for optimizing O. sauteri mass-rearing procedures and maximizing its efficacy as a biological control agent in greenhouse cultures.     

Metarhizium robertsii illuminated during mycelial growth produces conidia with increased germination speed and virulence

Light conditions during fungal growth are well known to cause several physiological adaptations in the conidia produced. In this study, conidia of the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium robertsii were produced on: 1) potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium in the dark; 2) PDA medium under white light (4.98 W m^?2); 3) PDA medium under blue light (4.8 W m^?2); 4) PDA medium under red light (2.8 W m^?2); and 5) minimum medium (Czapek medium without sucrose) supplemented with 3 % lactose (MML) in the dark. The conidial production, the speed of conidial germination, and the virulence to the insect Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) were evaluated. Conidia produced on MML or PDA medium under white or blue light germinated faster than conidia produced on PDA medium in the dark. Conidia produced under red light germinated slower than conidia produced on PDA medium in the dark. Conidia produced on MML were the most virulent, followed by conidia produced on PDA medium under white light. The fungus grown under blue light produced more conidia than the fungus grown in the dark. The quantity of conidia produced for the fungus grown in the dark, under white, and red light was similar. The MML afforded the least conidial production. In conclusion, white light produced conidia that germinated faster and killed the insects faster; in addition, blue light afforded the highest conidial production.     

FMN Binding and Photochemical Properties of Plant Putative Photoreceptors Containing Two LOV Domains,LOV/LOV Proteins

LOV domains function as blue light-sensing modules in various photoreceptors in plants, fungi, algae, and bacteria. A LOV/LOV protein (LLP) has been found from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtLLP) as a two LOV domain-containing protein. However, its function remains unknown. We isolated cDNA clones coding for an LLP homolog from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and two homologs from the moss Physcomitrella patens. The tomato LLP (SlLLP) contains two LOV domains (LOV1 and LOV2 domains), as in AtLLP. Most of the amino acids required for association with chromophore are conserved in both LOV domains, except that the amino acid at the position equivalent to the cysteine essential for cysteinyl adduct formation is glycine in the LOV1 domain as in AtLLP. When expressed in Escherichia coli, SlLLP binds FMN and undergoes a self-contained photocycle upon irradiation of blue light. Analyses using mutant SlLLPs revealed that SlLLP binds FMN in both LOV domains, although the LOV1 domain does not show spectral changes on irradiation. However, when Gly⁶⁶ in the LOV1 domain, which is located at the position equivalent to the essential cysteine of LOV domains, is replaced by cysteine, the mutated LOV1 domain shows light-induced spectral changes. In addition, all four LOV domains of P. patens LLPs (PpLLP1 and PpLLP2) show the typical features of LOV domains, including the reactive cysteine in each. This study shows that plants have a new LOV domain-containing protein family with the typical biochemical and photochemical properties of other LOV domain-containing proteins such as the phototropins.     

Characterization of the light reaction in promoting the mobilizing ability of rose shoot tips

Mixed fluorescent and incandescent light increased growth and sink strength of the uppermost young shoot of rose plants (Rosa hybrida cv. Marimba) in comparison to pure fluorescent light. This was manifested by increased apical dominance. Monochromatic low-energy red light, given by means of optic fibers for 24 hours to shoot tips that had been previously darkened for 5 days, increased the transport of ¹⁴C-labeled assimilates to the intact tips and the uptake of [¹⁴C]sucrose by detached tips. Far-red had little or no effect, and blue was not effective at all in these reactions. Red light given directly to detached shoot tips, in vitro, increased the uptake of [¹⁴C]sucrose by the isolated tips. Adding far-red to the red greatly promoted the uptake, whereas blue and blue plus far-red were not active. The main character of the light reaction promoting sink activity in the shoot is that it is perceived by the shoot tip itself. It is operated by red light; far-red promotes the red effect but has little or no effect when alone. Light apparently promotes shoot sink activity by increasing the unloading process.     

Blue light insertion at night is involved in sleep and arousal-promoting response delays and depressive-like emotion in mice

Light plays a direct crucial role in the switch between sleep and arousal and the regulation of physiology and behaviour, such as circadian rhythms and emotional change. Artificial lights, which are different from natural light sources with a continuous light spectrum, are composed of three single-colour lights and are increasingly applied in modern society. However, in vivo research on the mechanisms of blue light-regulated sleep and arousal is still insufficient. In this work, we detected the effects of inserting white or blue light for 1 h during the dark period on the wheel-running activity and sucrose preference of C57 mice. The results showed that blue light could induce delays in sleep and arousal-promoting responses. Furthermore, this lighting pattern, including blue light alone, induced depressive-like emotions. The c-fos expression in the blue light group was significantly higher in the arcuate hypothalamic nucleus (Arc) and significantly lower in the cingulate cortex (Cg) and anterior part of the paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVA) than in the white light group. Compared with the white light group, the phospho-ERK expression in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) and PVA was lower in the blue light group. These molecular changes indicated that certain brain regions are involved in blue light-induced response processes. This study may provide useful information to explore the specific mechanism of special light-regulated physiological function.     

Effect of Light Quality on the Composition, Function, and Structure of Photosynthetic Thylakoid Membranes of Asplenium australasicum (Sm.) Hook

The effect of light quality on the composition, function and structure of the thylakoid membranes, as well as on the photosynthetic rates of intact fronds from Asplenium australasicum, a shade plant, grown in blue, white, or red light of equal intensity (50 microeinsteins per square meter per second) was investigated. When compared with those isolated from plants grown in white and blue light, thylakoids from plants grown in red light have higher chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b ratios and lower amounts of light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-protein complexes than those grown in blue light. On a chlorophyll basis, there were higher levels of PSII reaction centers, cytochrome f and coupling factor activity in thylakoids from red light-grown ferns, but lower levels of PSI reaction centers and plastoquinone. The red light-grown ferns had a higher PSII/PSI reaction center ratio of 4.1 compared to 2.1 in blue light-grown ferns, and a larger apparent PSI unit size and a lower PSII unit size. The CO₂ assimilation rates in fronds from red light-grown ferns were lower on a unit area or fresh weight basis, but higher on a chlorophyll basis, reflecting the higher levels of electron carriers and electron transport in the thylakoids.

The structure of thylakoids isolated from plants grown under the three light treatments was similar, with no significant differences in the number of thylakoids per granal stack or the ratio of appressed membrane length/nonappressed membrane length. The large freeze-fracture particles had the same size in the red-, blue-, and white-grown ferns, but there were some differences in their density. Light quality is an important factor in the regulation of the composition and function of thylakoid membranes, but the effects depend upon the plant species.

     

Red and blue light-stimulated proton efflux by epidermal leaf cells of the Argenteum mutant of Pisum sativum

Light stimulates leaf expansion in dicotyledons by increasingapoplastic acidification, cell wall loosening and solute accumulationfor turgor maintenance. Red and blue light enhance growth viadifferent photo-systems, but the cellular location and modesof action of these systems is not known. Here, the effect of red and blue light was studied on transportprocesses in epidermal cells of expanding leaves of the Argenteummutant of Pisum satlvum. Both red and blue light caused extraceiiuiaracidification by isolated epidermal tissue, which was stimulatedby extracellular K⁺ and inhibited by DCCD at 0.1 mol m^–3.Acidification induced by red compared with blue light showeddifferent saturating kinetics in fluence rate-response curves.Under near saturating light conditions the effects of red andblue light were additive. The red light-induced acidificationwas inhibited by far-red light while the blue light-inducedacidification was not. Light caused a hyperpoianzation of themembrane potential in epidermal strips, and stimulated ⁸⁶Rb⁺uptake by epidermal protoplasts. These results show that phytochromeand an additional blue light-photoreceptor function in isolatedepidermal cells to promote proton efflux, hyperpolarization,and cation uptake. Key words: Pisum sativum, light-induced acidification, ion transport, epidermis, photoreceptor     

Blue light (470 nm) effectively inhibits bacterial and fungal growth

Blue light (470 nm) LED antimicrobial properties were studied alone against bacteria and with or without the food grade photosensitizer, erythrosine (ERY) against filamentous fungi. Leuconostoc mesenteroides (LM), Bacillus atrophaeus (BA) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) aliquots were exposed on nutrient agar plates to Array 1 (AR1, 0·2 mW cm^?2) or Array 2 (AR2, 80 mW cm^?2), which emitted impure or pure blue light (0–300 J cm^?2), respectively. Inoculated control (room light only) plates were incubated (48 h) and colonies enumerated. The antifungal properties of blue light combined with ERY (11·4 and 22·8 μmol l^?1) on Penicillium digitatum (PD) and Fusarium graminearum (FG) conidia were determined. Conidial controls consisted of: no light, room light‐treated conidia and ERY plus room light. Light‐treated (ERY + blue light) conidial samples were exposed only to AR2 (0–100 J cm^?2), aliquots spread on potato dextrose agar plates, incubated (48 h, 30°C) and colonies counted. Blue light alone significantly reduced bacterial and FG viability. Combined with ERY, it significantly reduced PD viability. Blue light is lethal to bacteria and filamentous fungi although effectiveness is dependent on light purity, energy levels and microbial genus.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Light from two arrays of different blue LEDs significantly reduced bacterial (Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Bacillus atrophaeus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) viabilities. Significant in vitro viability loss was observed for the filamentous fungi, Penicillium digitatum and Fusarium graminearum when exposed to pure blue light only plus a photosensitizer. F. graminearum viability was significantly reduced by blue light alone. Results suggest that (i) the amount of significant loss in bacterial viability observed for blue light that is pure or with traces of other wavelengths is genus dependent and (ii) depending on fungal genera, pure blue light is fungicidal with or without a photosensitizer.