Abstract
Some lichenized ascomycetes synthesize melanic pigments when exposed to ultraviolet light and high solar radiation. Here, we used chlorophyll fluorescence in order to test the effect of melanisation on the ability of the lichens Cetraria islandica, Lobaria pulmonaria, Peltigera aphthosa, P. membranacea, Pseudocyphellaria gilva, and Sticta sublimbata to tolerate high-light stress. For each species, melanised and pale thalli were selected from relatively exposed and shaded individuals of the same population. For all species, melanised thalli displayed significantly less photoinhibition than pale thalli following a controlled exposure of hydrated thalli to high light. Melanised thalli were less photoinhibited than pale thalli in lichens from both high light and more shaded habitats, and those that possess either green-algal or cyanobacterial photobionts. Photoinhibition also occurred when dry lichens were exposed to high light; melanised thalli showed again less photoinhibition. Melanised thalli are less sensitive to the adverse effects of high light.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.