Feedback controlling oxygen production in a cross-reaction between two photosystems in photosynthesis

The non-linear light-saturation curve for oxygen production in both Chlorella vulgaris and Phormidium luridium at low light intensities, under anaerobic conditions is shown to be caused by the reduction of a pool of electron carriers coupled to both an endogenous reducing agent R, and to oxygen. The light dependence of oxygen production in these algae was studied by a repetitive-flash method, which allows a direct analysis of the steady-state kinetics of pool reduction. We propose a kinetic model which quantitatively accounts for these kinetics and several transient phenomena. This model centers on a novel cross reaction at the pool of photo and dark electron input and output, allowing a delicate poising of oxygen production by the environment. This model shows a positive feedback of oxygen on oxygen production.