The role of Ca2+ ions in modulating changes induced in bean plants by an excess of Cu2+ ions. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements

Abstract

Ca2+‐dependent influence of excess Cu2+ on the photosynthetic akpparatus monitored through chlorophyll fluorescence measurements was investigated in runner bean plants (Phaseolus coccineus L. cv. Pie kny Jaś) at three different growth stages. It was observed that the toxic effect of excess Cu2+ on plants depends both on their growth stages and the Ca2+ content in the medium. Increased Ca2+ content limits Cu2+ action on plants at their initial growth stage (I) through: stabilization of the PSII complex (increase of the ratio of variable to minimal fluorescence [Fv/F0]), improved electron flow and reoxidative processes of the quinone primary electron acceptor of PSII (QA) (increase of quantum yield of PSII electron transport [φe] and photochemical quenching of fluorescence [qP] values) and elimination of nonphotochemical energy dissipation (decrease of nonphotochemical fluorescence quenching from the Stern‐Volmer equation [NPQ] and fraction of the absorbed light energy not used for photochemistry [LNU] values). At this growth stage excess Cu2+ decreases the rates of QA reduction as a result of decreased PSII activity at its donor side only at lower Ca2+ level. At the intermediate growth stage (II) the plants were less sensitive to Cu2+ treatment and also to changed Ca2+ content. A weakening of some photochemical processes by excess Cu2+ could be observed only at a higher Ca2+ dose. At the final growth stage of plants (III) Ca2+ ions exerted a decisively different effect on the mechanism of excess Cu2+ action on bean plants, visualized by decreased PSII stabilization and utilization of absorbed light energy at increased Ca2+ content in the medium.