Effect of Iron Deficiency Induced Changes on Photosynthetic Pigments,Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase,and Photosystem Activities in Field Grown Grapevine (Vitis Vinifera L. cv. Pinot Noir) Leaves

The effect of iron deficiency on photosynthetic pigments, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBPC), and photosystem activities were investigated in field grown grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinot noir) leaves. The contents of chlorophyll (Chl) (a+b) and carotenoids per unit fresh mass showed a progressive decrease upon increase in iron deficiency. Similar results were also observed in content of total soluble proteins and RuBPC activity. The marked loss of large (55 kDa) and small (15 kDa) subunits of RuBPC was also observed in severely chlorotic leaves. However, when various photosynthetic electron transport activities were analysed in isolated thylakoids, a major decrease in the rate of whole chain (H₂O methyl viologen) electron transport was observed in iron deficient leaves. Such reduction was mainly due to the loss of photosystem 2 (PS2) activity. The same results were obtained when F_v/F_m was evaluated by Chl fluorescence measurements in leaves. Smaller inhibition of photosystem 1 (PS1) activity was also observed in both mild and severely chlorotic leaves. The artificial electron donors, diphenyl carbazide and NH₂OH, markedly restored the loss of PS2 activity in severely chlorotic leaves. The marked loss of PS2 activity was evidently due to the loss of 33, 23, 28-25, and 17 kDa polypeptides in iron deficient leaves.     

Decline of Photosynthetic Pigments,Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase and Soluble Protein Contents,Nitrate Reductase and Photosynthetic Activities,and Changes in Thylakoid Membrane Protein Pattern in Canopy Shade Grapevine (Vitis Vinifera L. cv. Moscato Giallo) Leaves

In canopy shade leaves of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Moscato giallo) grown in the field the contents of chlorophyll (Chl), carotenoids (Car), and soluble protein per fresh mass were lower than in sun leaves. RuBPC activity, in vivo nitrate reductase activity (indicator of nitrate utilisation), apparent electron transport rate, and photochemical fluorescence quenching were also significantly reduced in canopy shade leaves. When various photosynthetic activities were followed in isolated thylakoids, canopy shade leaves exerted a marked inhibition of whole chain and photosystem (PS) 2 activity. Smaller inhibition of PS1 activity was observed even in high-level canopy shade (HS) leaves. The artificial exogenous electron donors, DPC and NH₂OH, significantly restored the loss of PS2 activity in HS leaves. Similar results were obtained when F_v/F_m was evaluated by Chl fluorescence measurements. The marked loss of PS2 activity in canopy shade leaves was due to the loss of 47, 43, 33, 28–25, 23, 17, and 10 kDa polypeptides.     

Low night temperature effects on photosynthetic performance on two grapevine genotypes

The functional activities of the photosynthetic apparatus of two grapevine genotypes (Vitis vinifera L. cvs. Müller-Thurgau and Lagrein) were investigated after low night temperature (LNT) treatment for 7 d. LNT caused important reductions of the net photosynthetic rate (P_N) of Lagrein plants due to non-stomatal components. These non-stomatal effects were not evident in Müller-Thurgau. At LNT treatment, the contents of photosynthetic pigments decreased significantly in Lagrein, but in Müller-Thurgau the contents of chlorophyll (Chl) remained unchanged whereas the contents of carotenoids (Car) increased. An increase and decrease of Chl a/b was shown in Mü ller-Thurgau and Lagrein stressed plants, respectively. RuBPC activity and content of soluble proteins were also significantly reduced in Lagrein. Under LNT treatment, photosystem (PS) 2 was markedly more inhibited in Lagrein than in Müller-Thurgau. The decrease in PS 2 activity in Lagrein was mostly due to the marked loss of D1, 47, 43, 33, 28-25, 23 and 17 kDa proteins determined by immunological and SDS-PAGE studies.     

Effects of Phytoplasma [Stolbur-Subgroup (Bois Noir-BN)] on Photosynthetic Pigments,Saccharides, Ribulose 1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase,Nitrate and Nitrite Reductases,and Photosynthetic Activities in Field-Grown Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay) Leaves

In leaves of field-grown grapevine, the contents of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and soluble proteins and the activities of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBPC) and nitrate (NR) and nitrite (NiR) reductases were decreased in phytoplasma-infected leaves, but the contents of soluble sugars and total saccharides were markedly increased. In isolated thylakoids, phytoplasma caused marked inhibition of whole chain and photosystem 2 (PS2) activities. The artificial exogenous electron donor, diphenyl carbazide, significantly restored the loss of PS2 activity in infected leaves.     

Effects of Phytoplasma Infection on Pigments, Chlorophyll-Protein Complex and Photosynthetic Activities in Field Grown Apple Leaves

Changes in contents of pigments, chlorophyll-protein complex, and photosynthetic activities were investigated in field grown apple (Malus pumila Mill.) leaves infected by Apple Proliferation phytoplasma. The contents of chlorophyll a+b (Chl) and carotenoids (Car) markedly decreased in infected leaves. Similar results were also observed for content of total soluble proteins and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase activity. When various photosynthetic activities were followed in isolated thylakoids, phytoplasma infection caused a marked inhibition of whole chain and photosystem 2 (PS2) activity. Smaller inhibition of photosystem 1 (PS1) activity was observed even in severely infected leaves. The artificial exogenous electron donors, MnCl₂ diphenyl carbazide, and NH₂OH, did not restore the loss of PS2 activity in both mildly and severely infected leaves. Similar results were obtained by Chl fluorescence measurements. The marked loss of PS2 activity in infected leaves was due to the reduction of contents of chlorophyll and light-harvesting chlorophyll-protein 2 complexes. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Shade effect alters leaf pigments and photosynthetic responses in Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) grown under field conditions

The contents of chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoids (Car) per fresh mass were lower in shade needles than in sun needles. Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBPC) activity and contents of soluble proteins were also significantly lower in shade needles. In isolated thylakoids, a marked lower rate of whole chain and photosystem (PS) 2 activities were observed in shade needles. Smaller lower rate of PS1 activity was also observed in shade needles. The artificial exogenous electron donors, diphenyl carbazide (DPC) and NH₂OH, significantly restored the loss of PS2 activity in shade needles. Similar results were obtained when F_v/F_m was evaluated by Chl fluorescence measurements. The marked lower rate of PS2 activity in shade needles was due to the lower contents of 47, 33, 28–25, 23, and 17 kDa polypeptides. This conclusion was confirmed by immunological studies showing that the content of the 33 kDa protein of the watersplitting complex was diminished significantly in shade needles.     

Photosynthetic changes that occur during aging of cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) needles

2-years-old cypress needles (A2) were physiologically most active with regard to net photosynthetic (P _N) and electron transport rates. Variable to maximum fluorescence (F_v/F_m) ratios of dark-adapted needles were higher in A2 needles than in current year (A1) or senescent (A4) needles. Lower F_v/F_m values in these stages seemed to be caused not by photoinhibition but by a low photochemical capacity as suggested from the chlorophyll (Chl) a/b ratios. In isolated thylakoids, lower rates of whole chain and photosystem 2 (PS2) activities were observed in A4 needles, while higher rates were observed in A2 needles. A similar trend was noticed for contents of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBPC) and total soluble proteins. The artificial exogenous electron donor Mn²⁺ failed to restore the loss of PS2 activity in 3-year-old (A3) and A4 needles, while diphenylcarbazide and NH₂OH significantly restored the loss of PS2 activity. The marked loss of PS2 activity in A4 needles was primarily the result of the loss of 33, 28–25, 23, and 17 kDa polypeptides. A marked loss of RuBPC activity in A4 needles is mainly due to the loss of 15 (SSU) and 55 (LSU) kDa polypeptides.     

Effects of Phytoplasma Infection on Growth and Photosynthesis in Leaves of Field Grown apple (Malus Pumila Mill. cv. Golden Delicious)

The contents of chlorophyll (Chl), leaf biomass, and soluble proteins were markedly decreased in phytoplasma infected apple leaves. Similar results were also observed for ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase, ¹⁴CO₂ fixation, and nitrate reductase activity. In contrast, the contents of sugars, starch, amino acids, and total saccharides were significantly increased in phytoplasma infected leaves. In isolated chloroplasts, phytoplasma infection caused marked inhibition of whole photosynthetic electron chain and photosystem 2 (PS2) activity. The artificial exogenous electron donor, diphenyl carbazide, significantly restored the loss of PS2 activity in infected leaves. Similar results were obtained when F_v/F_m was evaluated by in vivo Chl a fluorescence kinetic measurements.     

Inactivation of chloroplast photosynthetic electron-transport activity by Ni

Ni²⁺ inhibits electron-transport activity of isolated barley chloroplasts and this inhibition of electron transport by Ni²⁺ is distinctly different from other heavy metal ion (e.g., Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺)-induced inhibition of chloroplast function. Ni²⁺ inactivates Photosystem II (PS II) activity at a lower concentration than that required for the same extent of inhibition of Photosystem I (PS I)-mediated electron flow. Ni²⁺ induces changes in chlorophyll a (Chl a) emission characteristics and brings about a lowering of the Chl a fluorescence yield, and this lowering of Chl a fluorescence intensity is not relieved by the exogenously supplied electron donor NH₂OH which donates electrons very close to the PS II reaction centres. Immobilization of the chloroplast membrane structure with glutaraldehyde fails to arrest the Ni²⁺-induced loss of PS II activity. Also, Ni²⁺-treated chloroplasts do not regain the ability to photoreduce 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol even after washing of chloroplasts with buffer. These results indicate that unlike Zn²⁺ or Pb²⁺, Ni²⁺ induces alterations in the chloroplast photosynthetic apparatus resulting in an irreversible loss of electron-transport activity.     

绿斑病藻寄生对夏橙叶片光合作用特性的影响

以盆栽的2年生奥灵达夏橙为试材,研究了绿斑病藻寄生对夏橙叶片光合作用特性的影响.结果表明,轻度病叶对叶绿素总量（Chl a+b）、类胡萝卜素含量（Car）、净光合速率（P_n）、胞间CO₂浓度（C_i）、原初光能转换效率（F_v/F_m）、光合电子传递量子效率（ΦPS Ⅱ）和光化学猝灭系数（qP）无显著影响;中度病叶和重度病叶的Chla+b、Car、P_n、F_v/F_m、ΦPS Ⅱ和qP较对照分别下降了23.85%、26.49%、43.3%、4.5%、35.1%、22.5%和37.61%、44.04%、64.5%、8.6%、63.6%、40.1%,与对照差异显著,而C_i较对照显著上升.绿斑病藻的大量寄生减弱了夏橙叶片的光合作用,而净光合速率的下降主要是由非气孔因素限制引起.     

Mulberry Leaf Metabolism under High Temperature Stress

Effects of high temperature on the activity of photosynthetic enzymes and leaf proteins were studied in mulberry (Morus alba L. cv. BC2-59). A series of experiments were conducted at regular intervals (120, 240 and 360 min) to characterize changes in activities of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBPC) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), photosystem 2 (PS 2) activity, chlorophyll (Chl), carotenoid (Car), starch, sucrose (Suc), amino acid, free proline, protein and nucleic acid contents in leaves under high temperature (40 °C) treatments. High temperature markedly reduced the activities of RuBPC and SPS in leaf extracts. Chl content and PS 2 activity in isolated chloroplasts were also affected by high temperature, particularly over 360 min treatment. Increased leaf temperature affected sugar metabolism through reductions in leaf starch content and sucrose-starch balance. While total soluble protein content decreased under heat, total amino acid content increased. Proline accumulation (1.5-fold) was noticed in high temperature-stressed leaves. A reduction in the contents of foliar nitrogen and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) was also noticed. SDS-PAGE protein profile showed few additional proteins (68 and 85 kDa) in mulberry plants under heat stress compared to control plants. Our results clearly suggest that mulberry plants are very sensitive to high temperature with particular reference to the photosynthetic carbon metabolism.     

Photoinhibition of Photosynthesis in Sun and Shade Grown Leaves of Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)

The degree of photoinhibition of sun and shade grown leaves of grapevine was determined by means of the ratio of variable to maximum chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence (F_v/F_m) and electron transport measurements. The potential efficiency of photosystem 2 (PS2), F_v/F_m, markedly declined under high irradiance (HI) in shade leaves with less than 10 % of F₀ level. In contrast, F_v/F_m ratio declined with about 20 % increase of F₀ level in sun leaves. In isolated thylakoids, the rate of whole chain and PS2 activity in HI shade and sun leaves was decreased by about 60 and 40 %, respectively. A smaller inhibition of photosystem 1 (PS1) activity was also observed in both leaf types. In the subsequent dark incubation, fast recovery was observed in both leaf types that reached maximum PS2 efficiencies similar to non-photoinhibited control leaves. The artificial exogenous electron donors DPC, NH₂OH, and Mn²⁺ failed to restore the HI-induced loss of PS2 activity in sun leaves, while DPC and NH₂OH were significantly restored in shade leaves. Hence HI in shade leaves inactivates on the donor side of PS2 whereas it does at the acceptor side in sun leaves, respectively. Quantification of the PS2 reaction centre protein D1 and the 33 kDa protein of water splitting complex following HI-treatment of leaves showed pronounced differences between shade and sun leaves. The marked loss of PS2 activity in HI leaves was due to the marked loss of D1 protein of the PS2 reaction centre protein and the 33 kDa protein of the water splitting complex in sun and shade leaves, respectively.     

Photosynthetic Responses for Vitis vinifera Plants Grown at Different Photon Flux Densities Under Field Conditions

In grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) leaf chlorophyll (Chl) a and Chl b and carotenoid contents were higher in plants grown at low photon flux densities (PFD) than in those grown at medium and high PFD. The highest Chl a variable to maximum fluorescence ratio F_v/F_m was observed in plants grown at medium PFD while the minimum fluorescence F₀ was highest in those at high PFD. In isolated thylakoids, both high and low PFD caused marked inhibition of whole chain and photosystem 2 (PS2) activities. The artificial exogenous electron donor diphenyl carbazide significantly restored the loss of PS2 activity in low PFD leaves.     

Metal-induced inhibition of photosynthetic electron transport chain of the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum

Abstract: This study presents information on the mechanism of inhibition of the photosynthetic electron transport of Nostoc muscorum by chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb). Photosystem II (PS II) was found to be more sensitive both to low and high concentrations of test metals used. A considerable inhibition of photosystem I (PS I) was, however, observed at high concentrations only. Although Cr-induced inhibition of DCPIP photoreduction and lowering of chlorophyll a (Chl a ) fluorescence intensity ( F ₆₈₅) could not be reversed by artificial electron donors (diphenyl-carbazide (DPC), NH₂OH, MnCl₂ and benzidine) of PS II, these electron donors did substantially reverse the Pb-induced inhibition of DCPIP photoreduction as well as the lowering of Chl a fluorescence. Nevertheless, an increase in Chl a fluorescence at high concentrations of Pb suggested that this metal also arrests electron flow on the reducing side of the PS II reaction centre. Besides this, the suppression of fluorescence intensity of phycocyanin at low concentrations of both metals points to the involvement of phycobilisomes in the inhibition of PS II activity. The present study demonstrates that the modes of action of Cr and Pb on PS II are quite different.     

Effect of Grapevine Leafroll on the Photosynthesis of Field Grown Grapevine Plants (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Lagrein)

We have studied the effect of grapevine leafroll infection on some features of the thylakoids from field grown grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) leaves. Changes in photosynthetic pigments, soluble proteins, ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBP), nitrate reductase, photosynthetic activities and thylakoid membrane proteins were investigated. The level of total chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoids were reduced in virus‐infected leaves. Similar results were also observed for soluble proteins and RuBP case activity. The in vivo nitrate reductase activity was significantly reduced in infected leaves. Virus infection considerably decreased leaf net photosynthetic rate (P_n), stomatal conductance (g_s) and transpiration rate (E) in grapevine leaves. When various photosynthetic activities were followed in isolated thylakoids, virus infection caused marked inhibition of whole chain and photosystem (PS) II activity while the inhibition of PSI activity was only marginal. The artificial exogenous electron donors, diphenyl carbazide and hydroxylamine (NH₂OH) significantly restored the loss of PSII activity in infected leaves. The same results were obtained when F_v/F_m was evaluated by Chl fluorescence measurements. The marked loss of PSII activity in infected leaves could be due to the loss of 47, 43, 33, 28–25, 23 and 17 kDa polypeptides. It is concluded that virus infection inactivates the donor side of PSII. This conclusion was confirmed by immunological studies showing that the content of the 33 kDa protein of the water‐splitting complex was diminished significantly in infected leaves.     

Photoinhibition and recovery of photosynthesis in leaves of Vitis berlandieri and Vitis rupestris

Photoinhibition of photosynthesis was studied in Vitis berlandieri and Vitis rupestris leaves under controlled conditions (irradiation of detached leaves to about 1900 micromol m(-2) s(-1)). The degree of photoinhibition was determined by means of the ratio of variable to maximum chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and electron transport measurements. The potential efficiency of PS2, Fv/Fm declined, Fo increased significantly in leaves of V. berlandieri, while Fo decreased in V. rupestris. In isolated thylakoids, the rate of whole chain and PS2 activity markedly decreased in high light irradiated more in leaves of V. berlandieri than in leaves of V. rupestris. A smaller inhibition of PS1 activity was also observed in both leaves. In the subsequent dark incubation, fast recovery was observed in both leaves and reached maximum PS2 efficiencies similar to those observed in non-photoinhibited leaves. The artificial exogenous electron donors DPC, NH2OH and Mn2+ failed to restore the high light induced loss of PS2 activity in V. berlandieri leaves, while DPC and NH2OH significantly restored in V. rupestris leaves. It is concluded that high light inactivates on the donor side of PS2 and acceptor side of PS2 in V. rupestris and V. berlandieri leaves, respectively. Quantification of the PS2 reaction center protein D1 and 33 kDa protein of water splitting complex following high light exposure of leaves showed pronounced differences between V. berlandieri and V. rupestris leaves. The marked loss of PS2 activity in high light irradiated leaves was due to the marked loss of D1 protein and 33 kDa protein in V. berlandieri and V. rupestris leaves, respectively.     

The development of antenna complexes of barley (Hordeum vulgare cv. Akcent) under different light conditions as judged from the analysis of 77 K chlorophyll a fluorescence spectra

Using 77 K chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence spectra in vivo, the development was studied of Photosystems II (PS II) and I (PS I) during greening of barley under intermittent light followed by continuous light at low (LI, 50 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and high (HI, 1000 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) irradiances. The greening at HI intermittent light was accompanied with significantly reduced fluorescence intensity from Chl b excitation for both PS II (F685) and PS I (F743), in comparison with LI plants, indicating that assembly of light-harvesting complexes (LHC) of both photosystems was affected to a similar degree. During greening at continuous HI, a slower increase of emission from Chl b excitation in PS II as compared with PS I was observed, indicating a preferred reduction in the accumulation of LHC II. The following characteristics of 77 K Chl a fluorescence spectra documented the photoprotective function of an elevated content of carotenoids in HI leaves: (1) a pronounced suppression of Soret region of excitation spectra (410–450 nm) in comparison with the red region (670–690 nm) during the early stage of greening indicated a strongly reduced excitation energy transfer from carotenoids to the Chl a fluorescing forms within PS I and PS II; (2) changes in the shape of the excitation band of Chl b and carotenoids (460–490 nm) during greening under continuous light confirmed that the energy transfer from carotenoids to Chl a within PS II remained lower as compared with the LI plants. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of aluminium on photosynthetic performance in Al-sensitive and Al-tolerant maize inbred lines

Maize plant inbred lines, one Al-sensitive (B-73) and two Al-tolerant (F-2 and L-2039), were grown hydroponically in the presence of 200 μM Al. After 13 d of growth, root and shoot lengths, photosystem 2 (PS2) activity, chlorophyll (Chl) content, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) synthesis rate, chlorophyllase (Chlase) activity, and N, Mg, Fe, and Mn contents in leaves were determined. PS2 activity and Chl content were most severely affected by Al in B-73, but F-2 was almost unaffected. This was in accordance with Al-accumulation in the plants. The observed changes in B-73 coincided with 5-ALA synthesis inhibition, Chlase activation, and leaf deprivation of Fe and Mg. In Al-treated L-2039 plants, the leaf Mg and Mn contents were decreased. Also, an excessive Chlase activation was found in Al-treated L-2039, without a substantial Chl loss. This may indicate the activation of different enzyme pools in tolerant and sensitive genotypes under low-stress conditions.     

Changes in photosynthetic apparatus during dark incubation of detached leaves from control and ultraviolet-B treatedVigna seedlings

Changes in various components of photosynthetic apparatus during the 4 d dark incubation at 25°C of detached control and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) treatedVigna unguiculata L. leaves were examined. The photosynthetic apparatus was more degraded in younger control seedlings and for a longer time UV-B treated seedlings than in the older or for a shorter time UV-B treated seedlings. This was shown by determining the losses in chlorophyll (Chl) and protein contents, variable fluorescence yield, photosystem (PS) 2, PS1 and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBPC) activities, and photosynthetic¹⁴CO₂ fixation. In contrast, the Car/Chl ratio increased during the dark incubation due to less expressed degradation of Car.     

Biotic stress induced demolition of thylakoid structure and loss in photoelectron transport of chloroplasts in papaya leaves.

Papaya mosaic virus (PMV) causes severe mosaic symptoms in the papaya (Carica papaya L.) leaves. The PMV-induced alterations in photosystem II (PS II) structure and photochemical functions were probed. An increase in chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence polarization suggests pathogen-induced transformation of thylakoid membrane to a gel phase. This transformation in physical state of thylakoid membrane may result in alteration in topology of pigments on pigment-binding proteins as reflected in pathogen-induced loss in the efficiency of energy transfer from carotenoids to chlorophylls. The fast Chl a fluorescence induction kinetics of healthy and PMV-infected plants by F(O)-F(J)-F(I)-F(P) transients revealed pathogen-induced perturbation on PS II acceptor side electron transfer equilibrium between Q(A) and Q(B) and in the pool size of electron transport acceptors. Pathogen-induced loss in photosynthetic pigments, changes in thylakoid structure and decrease in the ratio of F(V)/F(M) (photochemical potential of PS II) further correlate with the loss in photoelectron transport of PS II as probed by 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPIP)-Hill reaction. Restoration of the loss by 1,5-diphenyl carbazide (DPC), an exogenous electron donor, that donates electron directly to reaction centre II bypassing the oxygen evolving system (OES), leads towards the conclusion that OES is one of the major targets of biotic stress. Further, the data suggest that chlorophyll fluorescence could be used as a non-invasive handy tool to assess the loss in photosynthetic efficiency and symptom severity in infected green tissues vis-a-vis the healthy ones.