Hg2+, Cu2+, and Pb2+ -induced changes in Photosystem II photochemical yield and energy storage in isolated thylakoid membranes: A study using simultaneous fluorescence and photoacoustic measurements

Simultaneous fluorescence and photoacoustic measurements have been used to study the effects of metal ions (copper, lead, and mercury) during dark incubation of thylakoid membranes. The values of the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters Fo (initial fluorescence yield with the reaction centers in the open state), Fm (maximal fluorescence yield), Ft (steady state fluorescence yield) and the calculated parameters, _o (maximal quantum yield of Photosystem II photochemistry) and _t (actual quantum yield of Photosystem II photochemistry), strongly decreased in the presence of the metal ions coinciding with an increase in the non-photochemical deexcitation rate constant k(N). It was observed that photosynthetic energy storage measured by photoacoustic spectroscopy also decreased but a large portion of energy storage remained unaffected even at the highest metal ion concentrations used. A maximal inhibition of photosyntheti c energy storage of 80% and 50% was obtained with Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺-treated thylakoids, respectively, while energy storage was insensitive to Pb²⁺. The results are consistent with the known predominant inhibition of the donor side of Photosystem II by the metal ions. The insensitive portion of energy storage is attributed to the possible recurrence of cyclic electron transport around Photosystem II that would depend on the extent of inhibition produced on the acceptor side by the metal ion used.