Interactions between photosynthesis and ‘light-enhanced dark respiration’ (LEDR) in the flagellate Euglena gracilis after irradiation with ultraviolet radiation

Abstract

The effects of ultraviolet radiation (UV-A, 315–400 nm plus UV-B, 280–315 nm) on photosynthesis and ‘light-enhanced dark respiration’ (LEDR) in Euglena gracilis have been investigated by using light pulses (80 s) with increasing photon fluence rates of 59, 163, 600, 1180, 2080 and 3340 μmol m −2 s −1 and dark periods between the light pulses. LEDR is estimated as the maximum rate of oxygen consumption after a period of light minus the rate of oxygen consumption 30 s after the maximum rate. Without any exposure to UV radiation, the photosynthetic rate and LEDR increase with increasing photon fluence rate. After 20 and 40 min exposures to UV radiation, the photosynthetic rate and LEDR as functions of photon fluence rate are reduced. After a 20 min UV treatment respiration is greater than photosynthesis after the first light pulse of 59 μmol m −2 s −1 radiation, and especially at higher photon fluence rates photosynthesis is lower than the control values. The inhibitory effects of UV radiation on photosynthetic rate and LEDR are greater after a 40 min UV exposure than after a 20 min exposure. Only at 600 μmol m −2 s −1 is the rate of oxygen evolution greater than that of oxygen consumption after a 40 min UV treatment. Both photosynthetic rate and LEDR are inhibited by the photosynthetic inhibitor DCMU (10 −5 M) in a similar way, which indicates close regulatory interactions between photosynthesis and LEDR. Potassium cyanide (KCN) inhibits dark respiration more than it inhibits LEDR. Dark respiration is not affected to the same degree by UV radiation as are photosynthesis and LEDR.