Investigation of Non-photochemical Processes in Photosynthetic Bacteria and Higher Plants Using Interference of Coherent Radiation – A Novel Approach

Abstract

Photosynthetic Light Energy Utilisation Is Accompanied With The Ph-Gradient Formation, O2 Production, Co2 Fixation, Heat Propagation And Other Processes, Which Result In Dynamic Changes In A Volume Of Chloroplasts, Whole Cells Or Plant Tissue. Here, We Present A New Concept, In Which The Volume Changes In Chloroplasts, Photosynthetic Bacteria, And Plant Leaves Are Measured Using Interference Of Coherent Light Beams Produced By A Hene Laser (ɚ 632.8 Nm). The Aim And Main Advantage Of This Interferometric Method Applied Newly To Photosynthesis Research Is The Possibility To Quantify The Non-Photochemical Processes In Photosynthetic Samples Measured In Vivo Using The Parallel Recording Of Interferograms And Chlorophyll A Fluorescence Induction Kinetics. In This Way, The Heat Production In Bacteria (Rhodobacter Sphaeroides) Treated With A Gramicidin, As Well As The O2 Evolution, Co2 Uptake And Transverse Dilatations In Leaves Of Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris) Stressed By The Excessive Radiation Were Studied. We Found That The Heat Production Was Enhanced By Approximately 20% In Stressed Samples. Using Interferometry, We Have Also Observed Pronounced Transverse Dilatations In A Leaf Tissue Of Bean During Photosynthesis Caused Probably By Transpiration.