Chloroplast ultrastructure changes in Pisum sativum associated with supplementary ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation

Pea plants (Pisum sativum L. cv. Greenfeast) were grown and exposed to supplementary UV-B radiation from day 17 after planting under growth cabinet conditions. The effects of this exposure on the ultrastructure of chloroplasts and the total soluble sugar and starch concentrations were estimated. Supplementary UV-B radiation was shown to damage the structure of chloroplasts, as manifested by dilation of thylakoid membranes, a progressive disruption of the thylakoid structure and disintegration of the double membrane envelope surrounding the chloroplast, accompanied by the accumulation of large starch grains. Diurnal changes observed in starch concentration suggest that the higher concentration of starch in supplementary UV-B-treated leaves is due to its immobilization, rather than to any increase in starch synthesis: soluble sugars accumulated and remained at a higher level and then later declined.