持续脱水下海藻叶绿素瞬变荧光模式的三阶段转换及临界水量的发现

在自然干燥条件下,跟踪研究了海洋红藻带形蜈蚣藻（Grateloupia turuturu Yamada),绿藻石莼（Ulva pertusa Kjellm)和褐藻海带（Laminaria japonica Aresch)的叶绿素荧光动力学曲线的变化,并用脉冲调制荧光仪分析了藻体脱水过程中的各个荧光参数。结果表明,在持续脱水过程中,3类海藻的荧光动力学曲线都显示出3个阶段的变化,即：1）在脱水开始时正常的峰形曲线;2）荧光上升至最高时持平、形成了高原型曲线;3）荧光跌落变成平台型曲线,发现荧光跌落前藻体的含水百分数是一个重要的生理指标,称为临界水量（CWC）。一旦藻体失水至低于此临界水量时,即便复水也不能使原来的峰形曲线得以恢复,说明脱水可能引起了叶绿体类囊体膜的不可逆损伤。临界水量可以用来衡量不同海藻的耐旱力,其数值高低随不同海藻而不同,并与其耐旱力成负相关。如在上述3大类海藻中,海带的CWC值最高（约90％）,但其耐旱性最差。此外,在红藻（只有红藻）经受干燥后作复水处理时,观察到有荧光急剧上升（爆发）的现象。对海膜脱水前后的几个荧光参数（F0、Fv、Fv/Fm)作了测定和比较,发现F0和Fv在脱水的第一阶段都上升,而v/Fm值维持基本不变。因此可以得出结论,活体叶绿素荧光对干旱的最初响应是立即增强,当继续失水时,F0保持上升而Fv却下降并越来越低,故此时总荧光的变化（包括荧光的跌落和爆发）主要是由F0的变化所引起的,因而进一步研究F0与脱水时类囊体膜状态变化的关系具有重要意义。     

水分胁迫对牛心朴子叶片光合色素及叶绿素荧光的影响

研究了水分胁迫对牛心朴子叶片光合色素及叶绿素荧光动力学参数的影响。结果表明,在长期的水分胁迫中,牛心朴子叶片的叶绿素a(Chl a)、叶绿素b(Chl b)和类胡萝卜素(Car)含量没有下降或下降不明显。直到处理末期才显著下降;叶片叶绿素荧光动力学参数Fo、Fm、Fv、Fv／Fm变化不大,在处理末期各处理Fo降低,轻度、重度水分胁迫的Fm、Fv、Fv／Fm升高。说明K期水分胁迫后牛心朴子的光合功能受到影响,但牛心朴子仍表现出较强的适应干旱的能力。     

A comparative analysis of wild and laboratory grown Laminaria abyssalis (Phaeophyta) using modulated fluorescence

Laminaria abyssalis fronds were either collected at the Brazilian costal area - 40 meters below sea level - or grown in the laboratory. The photochemical yield as defined by the Fv/Fm and the Fo - the dark fluorescence level when all PSII centers are open - varied with the distance from the stipe to the tip of the blade in wild grown fronds while it stayed constant in the laboratory grown plants. The chlorophyll a/c ratio levels decreased in the wild fronds from 12 (near the stipe) to 6 near the top. The chlorophyll c content increased from 0.8 to near 1.7 mg cm^–2 in the wild fronds. The laboratory fronds did not show variations in their chlorophyll contents. The wild fronds pattern changed after 2 months kept in the laboratory, producing similar results to those grown in the laboratory. The results indicate that the levels of the antenna complex in the wild fronds increase from the stipe to the top of the blade, in a fashion similar of the sun/shade leaves. Also, results show, that this alga is able to adapt itself to new light conditions, possibly increasing its level of antenna complex and photosynthetic units.Abbreviations PSII Photosystem II - Fo Chlorophyll fluorescence when all PSII are opened - Fm Chlorophyll Fluorescence when all PSII are closed - Fv Variable Fluorescence (Fm-Fo) - Fv/Fm Quantum Yield for Photochemistry     

微量元素营养对桉树无性系苗木叶绿素及荧光参数影响

研究了不同微量元素营养液,对栽培的三种桉树无性系苗木叶绿素及荧光参数变化。结果表明:各无性系苗木在全部测试性状的差异表现出极显著。在六个测试的微量元素因子中,Fe(B)显著地影响苗木的Fo、Fm、Fv/Fo、Fv/Fm,Zn(C)显著地影响Fo、Fv/Fm,Mn(D)显著地影响叶绿素含量(SPAD值),Mo(F)显著地影响叶绿素含量、Fo,B(G)显著地影响叶绿素含量Fo、Fv/Fo、Fv/Fm。相关分析表明Fm与Fo、Fv/Fo与Fo、叶绿素含量与Fo、Fm、Fv/Fm与Fv/Fo均存在显著的相关性。随着微量元素Fe、Zn、Cu、Mo、B浓度增大,Fo、Fv/Fm均呈增大趋势,但在不利的高浓度环境下,Fv/Fm降低。对三个无性系叶绿素荧光比较,U₆与DH_32-29具有高的Fo、Fm和低的Fv/Fm、Fv/Fo,DH_201-2却具有低的Fo、Fm和高的Fv/Fm、Fv/Fo。对微量元素浓度变化,DH_32-29较敏感。因此,叶绿素荧光参数可作为诊断植物微量元素营养状况的指标之一。     

干旱胁迫对不同葡萄砧木光合特性和荧光参数的影响

干旱胁迫导致葡萄砧木实生苗叶片光合能力下降.在正常供水和轻度干旱下,砧木的P_n 以3309C最高,其次是1103P,420A较低,各砧木的G_s和T_r差异不显著;中度干旱下,则以1103P的P_n最高,3309C最低;而严重干旱胁迫下,1103P的P_n比3309C高出124%,水分利用效率是3309C的1.95倍.干旱胁迫下,3种砧木的共同趋势是可变荧光 (F_o) 升高,最大荧光 (F_m)、实际光能转化效率 (ФPSⅡ）和可变荧光与最大荧光比 (F_v/F_m) 降低,但品种变幅不同.中度干旱使3309C的F _o升高17.1%,F_v/F_m降低了8.5%,而1103P的F_o升高6.8%,F_v/F_m降低了5.8%;严重干旱则使3309C的F_o升高36.2%,F_v/F_m降低了20.1%,而1103P的F_o升高9.9%,F_v/F_m降低了10.2%.干旱胁迫对不同葡萄砧木光合和荧光参数的影响与其抗旱性密切相关,其中F_v/F_m和P_n的相关系数最大（r=0.9883）.     

Growth and photosynthetic activity of micropropagated strawberry plants inoculated with endomycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and growing under drought stress

The plants produced by in vitro methods are free of any microflora contrary to natural systems where plants are colonized by symbiotic fungi. The present paper reports the experiments carried out to evaluate the role of arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungi in development of micropropagated strawberries and their photosynthetic activity (measured by chlorophyll fluorescence) under drought conditions. Mycorrhization strongly affected growth and tolerance to water deficiency of the plants cultivated in greenhouse. Wilting of not-mycorrhized plants was accompanied by drastic increase of Fo and Tfm and decrease of Fm. At the same time, the value of these parameters for mycorrhized plants did not change. Drastic decrease in the value of parameters Fv/Fm, Fv/Fo and Fo/Fm for plants without AMF appeared at the end of dry period. Rise of Fs and decrease Rfd was noted only for not-mycorrhized plants. The plants colonized by fungi, fully recovered their photosynthetic activity when watering was restored.     

水分胁迫对脂松幼苗叶绿素荧光特征的影响

以2年生盆栽脂松苗木为材料,研究了不同土壤含水量（干旱和水渍胁迫及解除胁迫后）对脂松幼苗的叶绿素荧光参数的影响,旨在为脂松的扩大栽培和管理提供理论依据。结果表明：（1）土壤水分胁迫对脂松苗木针叶初始荧光(F_o)、最大荧光(F_m)、可变荧光（F_v）、PSⅡ最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)、PSⅡ电子传递量子产率（Φ_PSⅡ）有显著影响（p<0.05）;（2）干旱和淹水胁迫中脂松针叶光化学效率（F_v/F_m）均表现为随胁迫强度增大和时间的延长而降低,总体表现为FC60>FC80>FC>FC40>FC20>FL,解除胁迫后有不同程度的升高,且干旱处理比水淹处理恢复快。（3）60%土壤含水量叶绿素荧光参数水平最佳,据此认为中等轻度干旱立地较适宜脂松苗木生长。     

Effects of Strong Light and Active Oxygen on Photosynthesis in Soybean

With the use of chlorophyll fluorescence technique, it was found that the net photosynthetic oxygen evolution rate decreased after strong light (2 000 μmol· m-2·2-1 ) treatment for two hours in soybean ( Glycine max L. ) leaves. The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, Fm/Fo, Fv/Fm, ФPSII, qp and qN decreased along with the increase of light intensity. In strong light, exogenous active oxygen H202、·OH and 'O2 were harmful to soybean leaves. The destruction of 'O2 and·OH to leaves was most evident, as was shown that Fv/Fm and PS H decreased significantly. The antioxidants DABCO, mannitol, ascorbate and histidine protected the leaves, but weakly, from strong light. In darkness, the SOD inhibitor sodium diethyldithiocar- bamate (DDC) had no significant effect on Fm/Fo and Fv/Fm, but NAN,, the ascorbate peroxidase (APX)inhibitor, significantly decreased Fm/Fo, Fv/Fm and ФPS II. In strong light, however, beth DDC and NaN3 reduced the above-mentioned fluorescence parameters, but NaN3 was more effective than DDC. The results suggested that photoinhibition did take place in soybean leaves under strong light, and it was related to active oxygen in vivo.     

外源甜菜碱对盐胁迫下枸杞光合功能的改善

研究了外源甜菜碱对盐胁迫下枸杞扦插苗叶片光合功能的影响。结果表明,外源甜菜碱能使盐胁迫下的枸杞叶片叶绿素荧光动力学参数Fo、Fm、Fv、Fv／Fm、Fm／Fo和Fv／Fo增高,使光合色素叶绿素a(Chla)、叶绿素b(Chlb)和类胡萝卜素(Car)含量明显增加,叶绿素a与b的比值(Chla／Chlb)升高,类胡萝卜素与叶绿素的比值(Car／Chl)降低,说明外源甜菜碱有利于植物对光能的捕获、吸收、传递和转换,提高叶片的光合活性,降低盐胁迫对植物的抑制作用。     

不同品种美国山核桃叶绿素荧光参数日变化的研究

以湖南省永州市冷水滩采穗圃中的美国山核桃为试材,研究了叶绿素荧光参数的日变化规律。结果表明:初始荧光(Fo)、最大荧光(Fm)、PSII原初光能转化效率(Fv/Fm)、光合量子产额(Yield)、光化学猝灭系数(qP)、非光化学猝灭系数(qN)和表观电子传递速率(ETR)均存在着明显的日变化。其中Fv/Fm、Fm、Yield、qP均呈先下降后上升的趋势,在中午强光下降低到最低值;qN则呈先上升后下降的趋势,在中午时分达到峰值;Fo呈下降趋势,部分品种傍晚稍有回升,但仍比早晨低;ETR日变化呈双峰曲线。不同品种间Fv/Fm、Yield、ETR、qP、qN对光强和温度的响应也存在着明显差异,可作为鉴定品种耐光抑制能力大小的指标。     

Comparison of Photosynthetic Adaptability Between Kobresia humilis and Polygonum viviparum on Qinghai Plateau

The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of Kobresia humilis Serg. and Polygonum viviparum L. grown at two different altitudes (3200 m, 3980 m) were measured and the ultrastructure of chloroplasts were observed for studying the photosynthetic adaptability of plants to the influences of stress conditions in alpine environment. Rfd -values, the vitality index, in leaves of K. humilis and P.viviparum grown at 3980 m were higher than those at 3200 m. The higher ratio of Fv/Fo and Fv/Fm in leaves of K. humilis and P.viviparum indicated that the rate of photosynthetic conversion of light energy increased at higher altitude. Ratios of Fv/Fo and Fv/Fm and Rfd -values in K.humilis were higher than that in P.viviparum grown at the same altitude. There were more irregular chloroplasts in leaves of both species grown at higher altitude. Many irregular chloroplasts such as swollen thylakoid, deformed chloroplast envelope, were observed in P.viviparum grown at 3980 m, but few in K.　humilis . These results were discussed in relation to the photosynthetic adaptability of alpine plants and the different adaptive competence between K.humilis and P.viviparum.     

Effects of Cadmium Stress on Leaf Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Photosynthesis of Elsholtzia argyi—A Cadmium Accumulating Plant

A hydroponic experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of cadmium (Cd) on chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic parameters on a Cd accumulating plant of Elsholtzia argyi. Four weeks-seedlings of E. argyi were treated with 0 (CK) 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 and 100 μmol L^?1 Cd for 21days. Fv/Fo, Fv/Fm, qP, ΦPSП, ETR and Fv′/Fm′ were significantly increased under low Cd (5–15 μmol L^?1 for Fv/Fo, Fv/Fm and qP, 5–10 μmol L^?1 for ΦPSП, ETR and Fv′/Fm′) stress, and these parameters were similar to control under Cd ≤ 50μmol L^?1. All above parameters were significantly decreased at 100 μmol L^?1 Cd. Compared with control, Pn was significantly (P < 0.05) increased under 5–30 μmol L^?1 Cd. However, 50 and 100 μmol L^?1 Cd significantly (P < 0.05) reduced it. Gs and Tr were substantially decreased at 50–100 and 40–100 μmol L^?1 Cd, respectively. Ci was significantly increased at 50 and 100 μmol L^?1 Cd. High Cd-induced decrease of Pn is not only connected to stomatal limitation but also to the inhibition of Fv/Fo, Fv/Fm, ΦPSП, qP, ETR and increase of NPQ. Maintain chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthesis parameters under its Cd tolerance threshold were one of tolerance mechanisms in E. argyi.     

Tolerance of gametophytes of Acrostichum aureum (L.) to salinity and water stress

Tolerance of gametophytes of Acrostichum aureum to NaCl and dehydration was investigated under controlled conditions following the changes in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm, qP, qN). Salt tolerance was increased by growing gametophytes in low concentrations of NaCl. However, such treatment could not increase the tolerance of gametophytes to dehydration. Under water stress, a decrease in photochemical quenching (qP) was accompanied by an increase in non-photochemical quenching (qN). Under salt stress, qP also decreased, but qN did not change significantly in salt-hardened gametophytes. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

干燥-再吸水条件下爪哇伪枝藻生理特性和超微结构特征

以典型荒漠丝状蓝藻爪哇伪枝藻为材料,在温室中设置水合(对照)、轻微干燥、中度干燥和极度干燥4种处理,研究干燥胁迫对藻体光合活性、膜脂过氧化、细胞可溶性物质含量、抗氧化酶活性以及细胞超微结构的影响,并采用不同促进剂和抑制剂对干燥藻体进行再吸水处理,测定藻体光合活性的恢复情况。结果显示:(1)爪哇伪枝藻在干燥胁迫下PSⅡ最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)显著降低,并与其藻体水分含量之间呈极显著性相关(r=0.97、P<0.000 1);(2)随着干燥胁迫程度增加,藻体MDA含量、SOD和CAT活性随之升高,细胞可溶性蛋白和可溶性糖含量增加;(3)在藻体再吸水条件下,培养液(BG-110)、胞外多糖和蔗糖对藻体Fv/Fm的恢复具有重要作用,N-乙酰半胱氨酸和脯氨酸对Fv/Fm有一定的恢复效果,氯霉素和敌草隆则抑制Fv/Fm;(4)与水合状态下的细胞结构相比,干燥藻体细胞结构发生明显的变化,如细胞壁增厚,原生质粘稠浓缩、呈紧密分层排列,细胞内出现大量细小黑色颗粒物等。(5)采用不同外源物质对干燥藻体进行再吸水时,藻体的光合活性呈现不同的恢复效果。研究表明,干燥胁迫下爪哇伪枝藻的光合活性受到明显抑制,细胞质膜过氧化程度加剧,细胞出现可溶性小分子物质积累,抗氧化酶活性增强,并造成细胞结构出现适应性变化。     

草莓叶片光合作用对强光的响应及其机理研究

用便携式调制叶绿素荧光仪和光合仪研究了强光下草莓叶片荧光参数及表观量子效率的变化.结果表明,Fm、Fv/Fm、PSⅡ无活性反应中心数量和Q_A的还原速率在强光下降低,在暗恢复时升高;而PSⅡ反应中心非还原性Q_B的比例在强光下增加,在暗恢复时降低.上述荧光参数的变化幅度均以强光胁迫或暗恢复的前10 min最大.强光下Φ_PSII、ETR和qP先升高后降低,但qN先大幅度降低,然后小幅回升.强光处理4 h后,丰香和宝交早生的表观量子效率(AQY)分别降低了20.9%和37.5%;qE(能量依赖的非光化学猝灭)为NPQ(非光化学猝灭)的最主要成分.强光胁迫下丰香的Fo、Fm、Fv/Fm、Φ_PSII、ETR和AQY的变化幅度均明显比宝交早生小.DTT处理后,草莓叶片的Fm和Fv/Fm明显降低,Fo显著升高.可以认为,依赖叶黄素循环和类囊体膜质子梯度两种非辐射能量耗散在草莓叶片防御光损伤方面起着重要作用,丰香的光合机构比宝交早生更耐强光.     

水分胁迫与复水对地枫皮生理生态特性的影响

以岩溶特有药用植物地枫皮为材料,研究土壤水分胁迫及复水条件下,其叶片光合参数、叶绿素荧光参数及光合色素含量的变化特性,进而探讨其对水分胁迫的生理生态适应性。结果表明:停止供水10 d,水分胁迫地枫皮叶片的P_n(净光合速率)、C_i(胞间CO_2浓度)、G_s(气孔导度)和L_s(气孔限制值)均下降,气孔限制是P_n降低的主要原因;停止供水15 d,水分胁迫地枫皮叶片的P_n日变化呈逐渐下降趋势,上午9:30以后全天的P_n值均接近零,非气孔限制成为P_n下降的主要因素;而对照地枫皮叶片的P_n日变化呈"双峰型",中午P_n下降的主要原因依然是气孔限制。水分胁迫下,地枫皮叶片叶绿素含量降低和Chl_(a/b)升高,减少了叶片对光能的捕获,减轻了光合机构遭受光氧化的破坏,而Car/Chl_(a+b)升高增强了光保护能力。水分胁迫下,地枫皮叶片的初始荧光(F_o)显著增大,最大荧光(F_m)、光系统Ⅱ(PSⅡ)潜在活性(F_v/F_o)和最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)均显著降低,表明水分胁迫对地枫皮叶片的PSⅡ反应中心和电子传递造成了一定的破坏,从而使其PSⅡ的潜在活性和最大光化学效率降低。复水5 d后,地枫皮的上述生理生态参数均能恢复到对照水平,表明其复水后的生理修复能力很强。     

海水处理对不同产地菊芋幼苗光合作用及叶绿素荧光特性的影响

种植抗盐耐海水经济作物是合理开发利用沿海滩涂和海水资源、培育耐盐植物的有效措施之一。该研究以不同产地菊芋(Helianthus tuberosus)为试验材料研究了海水处理对菊芋幼苗生长、光合作用和叶绿素荧光特性的影响。结果表明:1)随着海水浓度的增加,各地菊芋幼苗根、地上部的鲜重和干重均降低,但盐城菊芋幼苗地上部和根鲜重及干重降低的幅度小于武威和烟台菊芋幼苗。2)随着海水浓度的增加,各地菊芋叶片的净光合速率(P_n)、蒸腾速率(T_r)、水分利用效率(WUE)、气孔导度(G_s)和气孔限制值(L_s)均降低,而细胞间隙CO₂浓度(C_i)增大,且在各处理下盐城菊芋较武威和烟台菊芋叶片P_n和T_r大,而盐城菊芋在15%海水处理下,WUE和C_i较武威及烟台菊芋低,G_s和L_s较武威和烟台菊芋高。3)随着海水浓度的增加,各地菊芋叶片的初始荧光(F_o)、最大荧光(F_m)、可变荧光(F_v)、恒态荧光(F_s)、恒态荧光与初始荧光差值(ΔF_o)、PSⅡ潜在光化学效率(F_v/F_o)和PSⅡ最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)均降低,且在各处理下盐城菊芋较武威和烟台菊芋叶片F_m、F_v、F_s、F_v/F_o大。随着海水浓度的增加,盐城菊芋叶片电子传递速率(ETR)、光化学荧光猝灭系数(q_P)和光化学速率变化幅度不大,武威和烟台菊芋在30%海水处理下显著下降,较盐城菊芋小,各处理下菊芋叶片的PSⅡ实际光化学效率(Φ_PSⅡ)变化也不一致,盐城和武威菊芋叶片的Φ_PSⅡ在15%海水处理较0和30%海水处理下大,而烟台菊芋叶片的Φ_PSⅡ在0海水处理下最大。4)随着海水浓度的增加,各地菊芋叶片的叶绿素a(Chla)含量均降低,而叶绿素b(Chlb)含量没显著差异,且在各处理下盐城菊芋较武威和烟台菊芋叶片Chla含量大,武威和盐城菊芋叶片的Chla/Chlb比值均降低,烟台菊芋叶片的Chla/Chlb比值在0和15%海水处理下没差异。可见海水处理对菊芋幼苗生长发育、光合作用和叶绿素荧光特性均有影响,随海水浓度的增加,其效应越明显,但对各来源地菊芋幼苗的影响不一致,盐城菊芋幼苗表现为更耐海水。     

外源甜菜碱对干旱／盐胁迫下的小麦幼苗生长和光合功能的改善

本文用甜菜碱溶液浸种,研究了外源甜碱对干旱／盐胁迫下的小麦幼苗的生长状况和叶片光合转能的影响,结果表明,外源甜菜碱能使干旱／盐胁迫下的小麦幼苗地上部和根部的干重和含水量增加,使叶片叶绿素a荧光诱导动力学参数Fv/Vo,Fv/Fm和qP增高,qN降低,说明外源甜菜碱有利于植物对光能的捕获和转换,明显促进植物生长,降低干旱／盐胁迫对植物的抑制作用。     

Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping for ChlorophyⅡ Fluorescence and Associated Traits in Wheat （ Triticum aestivum）

Parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics （PCFKs） under drought stress condition are generally used to characterize instincts for dehydration tolerance in wheat （Triticum aestivum L.）. Therefore, it is important to map quantitative trait loci （QTLs） for PCFKs in wheat genetic improvement for drought tolerance. A doubled haploid （DH） population with 150 lines, derived from a cross between two common wheat varieties, Hanxuan 10 and Lumai 14, was used to analyze the correlation between PCFKs and chlorophyll content （CHIC） and to map QTLs at the grainfilling stage under conditions of both rainfed （drought stress, DS） and well-watered （WW）, respectively. QTLs for these traits were detected by QTLMapper version 1.0 based on the composite Interval mapping method of the mixed-linear model. The results showed a very significant positive correlation between Fv, Fm, Fv/Fm and Fv/Fo. The correlation coefficients were generally higher under WW than under DS. Also, there was a significant or a highly significant positive correlation between Fv, Fm, Fv/Fm, Fv/Fo and CHIC. The correlation coefficients were higher in the DS group than the WW group. A total of 14 additive QTLs （nine QTLs detected under DS and five QTLs under WW） and 25 pairs of eplstatlc QTLs （15 pairs detected under DS and 10 pairs under WW） for PCFKs were mapped on chromosomes 6A, 7A, 1B, 3B, 4D and 7D. The contributions of additive QTLs for PCFKs to phenotype variation were from 8.40% to 72.72%. Four additive QTLs （two QTLs detected under DS and WW apiece） controlling Chic were mapped on chromosomes 1A, 5A and 7A. The contributions of these QTLs for ChIC to phenotype variation were from 7.27% to 11.68%. Several QTL clusters were detected on chromosomes 1B, 7A and 7D, but no shared chromosomal regions for them were identified under different water regimes, indicating that these QTLs performed different expression patterns under rainfed and well-watered conditions.     

Reversible Photoinhibition in Antarctic Moss during Freezing and Thawing

Tolerance of antarctic moss to freezing and thawing stress was investigated using chlorophyll a fluorescence. Freezing in darkness caused reductions in Fv/Fm (ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence) and Fo (initial fluorescence) that were reversible upon thawing. Reductions in Fv/Fm and Fo during freezing in darkness indicate a reduction in the potential efficiency of photosystem II that may be due to conformational changes in pigment-protein complexes due to desiccation associated with freezing. The absorption of light during freezing further reduced Fv/Fm and Fo but was also reversible. Using dithiothreitol (DTT), which inhibits the formation of the carotenoid zeaxanthin, we found reduced flurorescence quenching during freezing and reduced concentrations of zeaxanthin and antheraxanthin after freezing in DTT-treated moss. Reduced concentrations of zeaxanthin and antheraxanthin in DTT-treated moss were partially associated with reductions in nonphotochemical fluorescence quenching. The reversible photoinhibition observed in antarctic moss during freezing indicates the existence of processes that protect from photoinhibitory damage in environments where freezing temperatures occur in conjunction with high solar radiation levels. These processes may limit the need for repair cycles that require temperatures favorable for enzyme activity.