Inhibition Of Photosynthesis Research Articles

Commonly and Specifically Activated Defense Responses in Maize Disease Lesion Mimic Mutants Revealed by Integrated Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analysis.

Disease lesion mimic (Les/les) mutants display disease-like spontaneous lesions in the absence of pathogen infection, implying the constitutive activation of defense responses. However, the genetic and biochemical bases underlying the activated defense responses in those mutants remain largely unknown. Here, we performed integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis on three typical maize Les mutants Les4, Les10, and Les17 with large, medium, and small lesion size, respectively, thereby dissecting the activated defense responses at the transcriptional and metabolomic level. A total of 1,714, 4,887, and 1,625 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in Les4, Les10, and Les17, respectively. Among them, 570, 3,299, and 447 specific differentially expressed genes (SGs) were identified, implying a specific function of each LES gene. In addition, 480 common differentially expressed genes (CGs) and 42 common differentially accumulated metabolites (CMs) were identified in all Les mutants, suggesting the robust activation of shared signaling pathways. Intriguingly, substantial analysis of the CGs indicated that genes involved in the programmed cell death, defense responses, and phenylpropanoid and terpenoid biosynthesis were most commonly activated. Genes involved in photosynthetic biosynthesis, however, were generally repressed. Consistently, the dominant CMs identified were phenylpropanoids and flavonoids. In particular, lignin, the phenylpropanoid-based polymer, was significantly increased in all three mutants. These data collectively imply that transcriptional activation of defense-related gene expression; increase of phenylpropanoid, lignin, flavonoid, and terpenoid biosynthesis; and inhibition of photosynthesis are generalnatures associated with the lesion formation and constitutively activated defense responses in those mutants. Further studies on the identified SGs and CGs will shed new light on the function of each LES gene as well as the regulatory network of defense responses in maize.

Critical Role of Light in the Growth and Activity of the Marine N2-Fixing UCYN-A Symbiosis.

The unicellular N2-fixing cyanobacteria UCYN-A live in symbiosis with haptophytes in the Braarudosphaera bigelowii lineage. Maintaining N2-fixing symbioses between two unicellular partners requires tight coordination of multiple biological processes including cell growth and division and, in the case of the UCYN-A symbiosis, N2 fixation of the symbiont and photosynthesis of the host. In this system, it is thought that the host photosynthesis supports the high energetic cost of N2 fixation, and both processes occur during the light period. However, information on this coordination is very limited and difficult to obtain because the UCYN-A symbiosis has yet to be available in culture. Natural populations containing the UCYN-A2 symbiosis were manipulated to explore the effects of alterations of regular light and dark periods and inhibition of host photosynthesis on N2 fixation (single cell N2 fixation rates), nifH gene transcription, and UCYN-A2 cell division (fluorescent in situ hybridization and nifH gene abundances). The results showed that the light period is critical for maintenance of regular patterns of gene expression, N2 fixation and symbiont replication and cell division. This study suggests a crucial role for the host as a producer of fixed carbon, rather than light itself, in the regulation and implementation of these cellular processes in UCYN-A.

RNA-Seq Transcriptome Analysis of Potato with Differential Tolerance to Bentazone Herbicide

Potato (Solanum tuberosum), an important food crop worldwide, is threatened by broadleaf weeds. Bentazone is an effective herbicide for controlling weeds; however, as a photosynthesis inhibitor, it can also affect potato plants. Therefore, screening potato seedlings for bentazone resistance and determining the genes involved is essential. Herein, we selected potato varieties with tolerance and sensitivity to bentazone. The photosynthetic rate of sensitive plants was notably affected by bentazone application, whereas the tolerant plants showed a significantly higher photosynthetic rate. We observed 95.7% bentazone degradation within 24 d after application in the tolerant plants. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that the numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the tolerant and sensitive potato seedlings were 2703 and 11,024 before and after bentazone application, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that the majority of DEGs were enriched in metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metals, carbon metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and photosynthesis. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO), flavonoid 3′,5′-methyltransferase-like (AOMT3), ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase small chain C (RBCS-C), and chalcone synthase 2 (CHS2) were identified as candidates contributing to bentazone tolerance. These results provide a theoretical basis for selecting potato stress-resistant resources in the future.

A Study on the Control of Attached Algae by Installing the Drainage Cover Device for the Final Sedimentation of Sewage Treatment Plant

Objectives : Adherent algae which are generated in the final sedimentation weir of the sewage treatment plant and the drainage channel, affect the quality of the final effluent water, and it has bad aesthetic effect due to fomation of flcok floating in the sedimentation tank. Therefore, the purpose of this study is prevention of the growth of adherent algae in advance by installing circular cover on the final sedimentation weir and drainage channels.Methods : In this study, we compared the growth pattern of adhered algae on weir and drainage channels before and after installation of circular cover at the final sedimentation weir and drainage channel of the sewage treatment plant. In addition, to identity species of attached algaem microscopic observation was applied, and ch-a concentration was analyzed to confirm the quality of the final effluent water.Results and Discussion : Then, we compared the results before and after installation of cover to check adhesion status of algae on the surface of final sedimentation drain. In case without cover, it was confirmed by observing the growth of attached algae under normal condition with air and photosynthetic reaction, and in case with cover, it was compared with opening after a certain period of time after installation of the drainage cover. As a result of the comparison, it was confirmed that a lot of attached algae occurred in the sedimentary weir and the drain. From the above results, the occurrence of final sedimentation algae is not only affected by the material and season of the drainage, but also after the formation a cluster by algae that have strong adhesion force, and then the microbial species contained in the effluent build secondary attachment and forms colony.Conclusions : In order to prevent the growth of adherent algae, a method of suppression of the growth of adherent algae by inhibition of photosynthesis was studied by installing a cover device on the weir and drain channels. As a result of installing a cover (34,000 thousand won) and reviewing economic feasibility, it can be recovered in 2.6 years, and stainless steel was selected in the view of mechanical stability and facility aging. The final sedimentation water quality increased 99.8% of Ch-a concentration treatment efficiency and 15% of SS sedimentation efficiency by installing a cover.

LEAD UPTAKE, TOXICITY AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES IN PLANTS

The issues of heavy metal adulteration are becoming common in world. Heavy metal toxicity cases are prevailing in mining industries, smelters, power plants based on coal burning, agriculture, etc. There are several heavy metals, such as Cd, Cu, Pb, Cr, Hg, Ar, etc. These heavy metals are major pollutants of environment, particularly in areas with increasing anthropogenic activities. The cumulation of heavy metal in soils is of great concern in agriculture because of the deleterious effects on food safety, crop growth and soil organisms’ health. Heavy metals affect several physiological and biochemical processes in plants. They diminish crop yield by bringing toxic effects to several physiological processes in plants such as, seed chlorophyll reduced by the production of reactive oxygen species, affecting the redox balance and instigating oxidative stress. Lead (Pb) is one of the looming heavy metal which is neither essential nor plays any part in the course of cell metabolism. Pb has toxic effects on plant which may include inhibition of photosynthesis, disruption of mineral nutrition and water balance, and disturbs membrane structure and permeability. Its phytotoxicity can also affect human health and can prove detrimental through food chain. However, in order to combat the effects generated by heavy metal stress particularly by Pb, several amelioratives can be used. Pb phytotoxicity can be ameliorated by the application of certain phytohormones which can be a part of signal transduction pathway, or they may trigger reactions and causative agents to respond to stress. Various signaling molecules such as NO, H2 S, CO, etc. enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes, level of secondary metabolites and osmolytes, hence scavenge the oxidative stress due to generation of free radicals in response to heavy metal stress

The response mechanism of Hydrilla verticillata and leaf epiphytic biofilms to depth and nutrient removal.

The mechanism of morphological and physiological regulation of submerged aquatic plants (Hydrilla verticillata) is influenced by spatial and environmental changes related to water depth gradients. In the present study, changes in the aquatic microcosm were explored at the depth gradients of 0.3 m, 0.6 m, 0.9 m, 1.2 m, and 1.5 m, and the depth was recognized as a critical factor for improving water quality, especially for the removal of total phosphorus (TP) and recalcitrant protein-like molecules. At 0.9 m, the removal rates of TP and protein-like substances reached 78% and 18.67%, respectively, 1.76 times and 1.28 times the rates at 0.3 m. The maximum shoot/root growth and chlorophyll (a + b) suggest photosynthesis inhibition is minimal at 1.2 m. Fluctuations in enzyme activities imply an antioxidant response to lipid peroxidation damage under different oxidative stress. The adjusted activities of glutamine synthetase (GS) and alkaline phosphatase (APA) were an adaptive nutrient utilization strategy to different water depths. Microbiological diversity analysis of biofilms indicates that community structure changes in response to water depth. Considering the growth status and nutrient removal effects, the results indicate that the optimal planting depth for H. verticillata is 0.9-1.2 m. These findings contribute to understanding water purification mechanisms in depth gradients, and support the effective rebuilding and management of submerged macrophyte communities in natural shallow lakes.

Inhibition of Primary Photosynthesis in Desiccating Antarctic Lichens Differing in Their Photobionts, Thallus Morphology, and Spectral Properties.

Five macrolichens of different thallus morphology from Antarctica (King George Island) were used for this ecophysiological study. The effect of thallus desiccation on primary photosynthetic processes was examined. We investigated the lichens’ responses to the relative water content (RWC) in their thalli during the transition from a wet (RWC of 100%) to a dry state (RWC of 0%). The slow Kautsky kinetics of chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) that was recorded during controlled dehydration (RWC decreased from 100 to 0%) and supplemented with a quenching analysis revealed a polyphasic species-specific response of variable fluorescence. The changes in ChlF at a steady state (Fs), potential and effective quantum yields of photosystem II (FV/FM, ΦPSII), and nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) reflected a desiccation-induced inhibition of the photosynthetic processes. The dehydration-dependent fall in FV/FM and ΦPSII was species-specific, starting at an RWC range of 22–32%. The critical RWC for ΦPSII was below 5%. The changes indicated the involvement of protective mechanisms in the chloroplastic apparatus of lichen photobionts at RWCs of below 20%. In both the wet and dry states, the spectral reflectance curves (SRC) (wavelength 400–800 nm) and indices (NDVI, PRI) of the studied lichen species were measured. Black Himantormia lugubris showed no difference in the SRCs between wet and dry state. Other lichens showed a higher reflectance in the dry state compared to the wet state. The lichen morphology and anatomy data, together with the ChlF and spectral reflectance data, are discussed in relation to its potential for ecophysiological studies in Antarctic lichens.

Tribenuron-methyl treatment affects glutathione metabolization and other physiological processes in bread wheat

To maximize crop yield, farmers use a wide array of herbicides. These chemicals have different mechanisms of action such as inhibition of photosynthesis and synthesis of aminoacids, lipids, and carotenoids in plant organs. The action of herbicides is often accompanied by the release of ROS (reactive oxygen species) in cells, and under their effect, modification of physiological processes occur in non-target plant organs, leading to the reduction of crop yields. To overcome stress conditions, plants react through the production of specific metabolites in their cell organelles, synthesizing detoxifying metabolites, among which glutathione (γ-glutamylcisteinylglycine, GSH) and its derivates are the most important. The detoxifying ability of crops varies between species and even between cultivars. Glutathione plays a major role in the detoxification pathways, and its quantity indicates the plant’s capability to metabolize herbicide. In wheat cultivation, the tribenuron-methyl herbicide is widely used. A study on short-term effect of tribenuron-methyl different concentrations (0.5 M, 1 M, 1.5 M) in three wheat cultivars (Pobjeda, Adelajde, and Dajti) and two ancestors Aegilops (accessions Ardenica and Borshi), by evaluating the GSH and pigment content was conducted in 2018 in Albania. A difference in both component content between the control and treated plants was observed. Among the cultivars assessed, Dajti showed the best ability to tolerate herbicide-induced stress. Knowledge on the plants’ reaction under herbicide treatments contributes to the identification of tolerance trait, selection of the right treatment formulation, and development of more effective herbicide safeners.

Dark adaptation and ability of pulse-amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry to identify nutrient limitation in the bloom-forming cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa (Kützing)

Harmful algal blooms in inland waters are widely linked to excess phosphorus (P) loading, but increasing evidence shows that their growth and formation can also be influenced by nitrogen (N) and iron (Fe). Deficiency in N, P, and Fe differentially affects cellular photosystems and is manifested as changes in photosynthetic yield (Fv/Fm). While Fv/Fm has been increasingly used as a rapid and convenient in situ gauge of nutrient deficiency, there are few rigorous comparisons of instrument sensitivity and ability to resolve specific nutrient stresses. This study evaluated the application of Fv/Fm to cyanobacteria using controlled experiments on a single isolate and tested three hypotheses: i) single Fv/Fm measurements taken with different PAM fluorometers can distinguish among limitation by different nutrients, ii) measurements of Fv/Fm made by the addition of DCMU are comparable to PAM fluorometers, and iii) dark adaptation is not necessary for reliable Fv/Fm measurements. We compared Fv/Fm taken from the bloom-forming Microcystis aeruginosa (UTEX LB 3037) grown in nutrient-replete treatment (R) and N-, P-, and Fe-limited treatments (LN, LP, LFe, respectively), using three pulse-amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometers and the chemical photosynthesis inhibitor 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU), and evaluated the effects of dark adaptation prior to PAM measurement. There were significant differences in Fv/Fm estimates among PAM fluorometers for light- versus dark-adapted cell suspensions over the whole experiment (21 days), which were all significantly higher than the DCMU-based measurements. However, dark adaptation had no effect on Fv/Fm when comparing PAM-based values across a single nutrient treatment. All Fv/Fm methods could distinguish LN and LP from R and LFe treatments but none were able to resolve LFe from R, or LN from LP cultures. These results indicated that for most PAM applications, dark adaptation is not necessary, and furthermore that single measurements of Fv/Fm do not provide a robust measurement of nutrient limitation in Microcystis aeruginosa UTEX LB 3037, and potentially other, common freshwater cyanobacteria.

Light modulates the effect of antibiotic norfloxacin on photosynthetic processes of Microcystis aeruginosa.

Norfloxacin is one of the widely used antibiotics, often detected in aquatic ecosystems, and difficultly degraded in the environment. However, how norfloxacin affects the photosynthetic process of freshwater phytoplankton is still largely unknown, especially under varied light conditions. In this study, we investigated photosynthetic mechanisms of Microcystis aeruginosa in responses to antibiotic norfloxacin (0-50 μg/L) for 72 h under low (LL; 50 μmol photons m-2 s-1) and high (HL; 250 μmol photons m-2 s-1) growth light regimes. We found that environmentally related concentrations of norfloxacin inhibited the growth rate and operational quantum yield of photosynthesis system II (PSII) of M. aeruginosa more under HL than under LL, suggesting HL increased the toxicity of norfloxacin to M. aeruginosa. Further analyses showed that norfloxacin deactivated PSII reaction centers under both growth light regimes with increased minimal fluorescence yields only under HL, suggesting that norfloxacin not only damaged reaction centers of PSII, but also inhibited energy transfer among phycobilisomes in M. aeruginosa under HL. However, non-photosynthetic quenching decreased in the studied species by norfloxacin exposure under both growth light regimes, suggesting that excess energy might not be efficiently dissipated as heat. Also, we found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) content increased under norfloxacin treatments with a higher ROS content under HL compared to LL. In addition, HL increased the absorption of norfloxacin by M. aeruginosa, which could partly explain the high sensitivity to norfloxacin of M. aeruginosa under HL. This study firstly reports that light can strongly affect the toxicity of norfloxacin to M. aeruginosa, and has vitally important implications for assessing the toxicity of norfloxacin to aquatic microorganisms.

Isotope ratio-based quantification of carbon assimilation highlights the role of plastidial isoprenoid precursor availability in photosynthesis

BackgroundWe report a method to estimate carbon assimilation based on isotope ratio-mass spectrometry (IRMS) of 13CO2 labeled plant tissue. Photosynthetic carbon assimilation is the principal experimental observable which integrates important aspects of primary plant metabolism. It is traditionally measured through gas exchange. Despite its centrality in plant research, gas exchange performs poorly with rosette growth habits typical of Arabidopsis thaliana, mutant lines with limited biomass, and accounts poorly for leaf shading.ResultsIRMS-based carbon assimilation values from plants labeled at different light intensities were compared to those obtained by gas exchange, and the two methods yielded similar values. Using this method, we observed a strong correlation between 13C content and labeling time (R2 = 0.999) for 158 wild-type plants labeled for 6 to 42 min. Plants cultivated under different light regimes showed a linear response with respect to carbon assimilation, varying from 7.38 nmol 13C mg−1 leaf tissue min−1 at 80 PAR to 19.27 nmol 13C mg−1 leaf tissue min−1 at 500 PAR. We applied this method to examine the link between inhibition of the 2C-methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathway and suppression of photosynthesis. A significant decrease in carbon assimilation was observed when metabolic activity in the MEP pathway was compromised by mutation or herbicides targeting the MEP pathway. Mutants affected in MEP pathway genes 1-DEOXY-d-XYLULOSE 5-PHOSPHATE SYNTHASE (DXS) or 1-HYDROXY-2-METHYL-2-(E)-BUTENYL 4-DIPHOSPHATE SYNTHASE (HDS) showed assimilation rates 36% and 61% lower than wild type. Similarly, wild type plants treated with the MEP pathway inhibitors clomazone or fosmidomycin showed reductions of 52% and 43%, respectively, while inhibition of the analogous mevalonic acid pathway, which supplies the same isoprenoid intermediates in the cytosol, did not, suggesting inhibition of photosynthesis was specific to disruption of the MEP pathway.ConclusionsThis method provides an alternative to gas exchange that offers several advantages: resilience to differences in leaf overlap, measurements based on tissue mass rather than leaf surface area, and compatibility with mutant Arabidopsis lines which are not amenable to gas exchange measurements due to low biomass and limited leaf surface area. It is suitable for screening large numbers of replicates simultaneously as well as post-hoc analysis of previously labeled plant tissue and is complementary to downstream detection of isotopic label in targeted metabolite pools.

Impacts of Microcystins on Morphological and Physiological Parameters of Agricultural Plants: A Review.

Cyanobacteria are a group of photosynthetic prokaryotes that pose a great concern in the aquatic environments related to contamination and poisoning of wild life and humans. Some species of cyanobacteria produce potent toxins such as microcystins (MCs), which are extremely aggressive to several organisms, including animals and humans. In order to protect human health and prevent human exposure to this type of organisms and toxins, regulatory limits for MCs in drinking water have been established in most countries. In this regard, the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed 1 µg MCs/L as the highest acceptable concentration in drinking water. However, regulatory limits were not defined in waters used in other applications/activities, constituting a potential threat to the environment and to human health. Indeed, water contaminated with MCs or other cyanotoxins is recurrently used in agriculture and for crop and food production. Several deleterious effects of MCs including a decrease in growth, tissue necrosis, inhibition of photosynthesis and metabolic changes have been reported in plants leading to the impairment of crop productivity and economic loss. Studies have also revealed significant accumulation of MCs in edible tissues and plant organs, which raise concerns related to food safety. This work aims to systematize and analyze the information generated by previous scientific studies, namely on the phytotoxicity and the impact of MCs especially on growth, photosynthesis and productivity of agricultural plants. Morphological and physiological parameters of agronomic interest are overviewed in detail in this work, with the aim to evaluate the putative impact of MCs under field conditions. Finally, concentration-dependent effects are highlighted, as these can assist in future guidelines for irrigation waters and establish regulatory limits for MCs.

Effect of nanomolar concentrations of lanthanum on Desmodesmus quadricauda cultivated under environmentally relevant conditions.

Toxicity of lanthanides is generally regarded as low, and they even have been suggested to be beneficial at low concentrations. This research was conducted to investigate effects of Lanthanum (La) on Desmodesmus quadricauda, a freshwater green microalga. The algal cultures were treated with nanomolar La concentrations under controlled environmentally relevant conditions. Intracellular localization of La was analyzed with μXRF tomography in frozen-hydrated samples. At sublethal concentration (128nM) La was in hotspots inside the cells, while at lethal 1387nM that led to release of other ions (K, Zn) from the cells, La filled most of the cells. La had no clear positive effects on growth or photosynthetic parameters, but increasing concentrations led to a dramatic decrease in cell counts. Chlorophyll fluorescence kinetic measurements showed that La led to the inhibition of photosynthesis. Maximal photochemical quantum yield of the PSII reaction center in dark-adapted state (Fv/Fm) decreased at >4.3nM La during the 2nd week of treatment. Minimum dark-adapted fluorescence quantum yield (F0) increased at >13.5nMLa during the 2nd week of treatment except for control (0.2nM La, baseline from chemicals) and 0.3nM La. NPQ at the beginning of the actinic light phase showed significant increase for all the treatments. Metalloproteomics by HPLC-ICPMS showed that La binds to a >500kDa soluble protein complex already in the sub-nM range of La treatments, in the low nM range to a small-sized (3kDa) soluble peptide, and at >100nM La additionally binds to a 1.5kDa ligand.

Capacity of the potentially toxic diatoms Pseudo-nitzschia mannii and Pseudo-nitzschia hasleana to tolerate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

This study investigates the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on two potentially toxic Pseudo-nitzschia hasleana and P. mannii, isolated from a PAH contaminated marine environment. Both species, maintained in non-axenic cultures, have been exposed during 144 h to increasing concentrations of a 15 PAHs mixture. Analysis of the domoic acid, showed very low concentrations. Dose–response curves for growth and photosynthesis inhibition were determined. Both species have maintained their growth until the end of incubation even at the highest concentration tested (120 µg l-1), Nevertheless, P mannii showed faster growth and seemed to be more tolerant than P. hasleana. To reduce PAH toxicity, both species have enhanced their biovolume, with a higher increase for P. mannii relative to P hasleana. Both species were also capable of bio-concentrating PAHs and were able to degrade them probably in synergy with their associated bacteria. The highest biodegradation was observed for P. mannii, which could harbored more efficient hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria. This study provides the first evidence that PAHs can control the growth and physiology of potentially toxic diatoms. Future studies should investigate the bacterial community associated with Pseudo-nitzschia species, as responses to pollutants or to other environmental stressors could be strongly influence by associated bacteria.

Hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, lipid peroxidation and membrane damage in leaves of the tree Prosopis nigra (Fabaceae) under simulated glyphosate drift

Introduction: The tree Prosopis nigra is native to the Western Chaco phytogeographic region, affected by the application of glyphosate in the surrounding crops. Objective: To determine the impact of simulated glyphosate drift on growth, photosynthesis and oxidative stress in P. nigra seedlings. Methods: We simulated drift in seedlings at doses of 0, 200, 400 and 800 g a.e. ha-1 of glyphosate. We also measured gas exchange and modulated fluorescence emission of chlorophyll a. Results: Glyphosate reduced biomass, photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance. Doses of 400 and 800 g a.e. ha-1 glyphosate produced photoinhibition. The electron transport rate was sensitive to glyphosate, and it decreased at all doses of the herbicide. Glyphosate generated oxidative stress, and produced damage to membranes, because of the accumulation of H2O2 and O2.. Conclusions: Glyphosate reduces growth and photosynthesis in these seedlings. The inhibition of photosynthesis is due to stomatal closure, and alterations in the photochemical stage, associated with oxidative stress.

Photosynthetic responses of Halimeda scabra (Chlorophyta, Bryopsidales) to interactive effects of temperature, pH, and nutrients and its carbon pathways.

In this study, we evaluated the interactive effects of temperature, pH, and nutrients on photosynthetic performance in the calcareous tropical macroalga Halimeda scabra. A significant interaction among these factors on gross photosynthesis (Pgross) was found. The highest values of Pgross were reached at the highest temperature, pH, and nutrient enrichment tested and similarly in the control treatment (no added nutrients) at 33 °C at the lowest pH. The Q10 Pgross values confirmed the effect of temperature only under nutrient enrichment scenarios. Besides the above, bicarbonate (HCO3−) absorption was assessed by the content of carbon stable isotope (δ13C) in algae tissue and by its incorporation into photosynthetic products, as well as by carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitors (Acetazolamide, AZ and Ethoxyzolamide, EZ) assays. The labeling of δ13C revealed this species uses both, CO2 and HCO3− forms of Ci relying on a CO2 Concentration Mechanism (CCM). These results were validated by the EZ-AZ inhibition assays in which photosynthesis inhibition was observed, indicating the action of internal CA, whereas AZ inhibitor did not affect maximum photosynthesis (Pmax). The incorporation of 13C isotope into aspartate in light and dark treatments also confirmed photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic the HCO3−uptake.

Insights into role of STP13 in sugar driven signaling that leads to decrease in photosynthesis in dicot legume crop model (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under Fe and Zn stress.

Mineral (Fe/Zn) stress significantly affects fundamental metabolic and physiological responses in plants that results in reduction of plant growth and development. Deficiency of these micronutrients leads to inhibition of photosynthesis by having impact on various crucial biological processes like protein synthesis, primary and secondary metabolism and carbohydrate partitioning between source and sink tissues. In the present study, common bean variety Shalimar French Bean-1 (SFB-1) plants were used as an experimental material and were grown under in vitro condition on four different MGRL media i.e. normal MGRL medium (Control), MGRL without Fe (0-Fe), MGRL without Zinc (0-Zn) and MGRL with excess Zn (300-Zn) for 21days under optimum conditions. Shoot and root tissues from all the treatments were harvested and further subjected to estimation of total chlorophyll, total sugar and extraction of total RNA for differential gene expression of sugar transporter 13 (STP13). We observed significant decrease in total chlorophyll content in samples harvested from mineral stress plants. However, the concentration of total sugar and fold expression of STP13 gene was significantly higher in shoots of Fe/Zn stressed and in roots of 300-Zn plants. We observed higher accumulation of sugar under stress condition that correlated with high expression of sugar transporter 13 (STP 13). Further, we observed decrease in the chlorophyll content under stress conditions. Based on these findings, we propose the role of sugar driven signaling in decreasing photosynthesis in case of common bean. The decrease in photosynthesis is confirmed by observing significant decrease in chlorophyll content in stressed plants.

Versatile Roles of Melatonin in Growth and Stress Tolerance in Plants

Melatonin is an evolutionarily conserved multifunctional molecule that is widely found in different parts of plants. In addition to its role in regulating plant growth and development, melatonin plays an important role in improving plant biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, which is an important molecule for protecting plants from abiotic and biotic stresses. The role of melatonin in plant growth and development is manifested in the regulation of seed germination, root development, fruit maturation, and senescence. Melatonin primarily improves plant stress resistance by improving plant antioxidant efficiency, reducing the inhibition of photosynthesis, and changing the expression of stress resistance-related genes. This paper reviews the regulation of melatonin on plant growth and development and the molecular mechanisms by which melatonin improves plant tolerance to abiotic and biogenic stresses and analyzes the relationship between melatonin and other signaling molecules and signaling pathways. The future research direction of plant melatonin is prospected.

Inhibition of photosynthesis in Melia azedarach and Ligustrum lucidum induced by manganese toxicity using OJIP chlorophyll a fluorescence transient

Manganese (Mn) excess is a major abiotic stress for plant growth. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Mn on photosynthesis in Ligustrum lucidum and Melia azedarach leaves using chlorophyll fluorescence transients. Both plant species were exposed to two Mn concentrations (0.5 and 1 mmol) for 10 and 30 d. Results showed that excess Mn significantly inhibited photosynthesis. With the increase of Mn concentration and stress time, the inhibition was more serious. Mn stress impaired PSII at the donor and the acceptor side by damaging the oxygen-evolving complex and limiting electron transport downstream of QA in both trees. A significant decline in 820 nm reflection curve absorption was observed in M. azedarach, suggesting that the oxidization-reduction reactions in PSI were inhibited but this phenomenon was not observed in L. lucidum. Therefore, excess Mn impaired the whole electron transport chain associated with inactive PSII reaction centers in Ligustrum lucidum and inhibited oxidization-reduction reactions in PSI in M. azedarach.

Allelochemicals of Alexandrium minutum: Kinetics of membrane disruption and photosynthesis inhibition in a co-occurring diatom

Allelopathy is an efficient strategy by which some microalgae can outcompete other species. Allelochemicals from the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum have deleterious effects on diatoms, inhibiting metabolism and photosynthesis and therefore give a competitive advantage to the dinoflagellate. The precise mechanisms of allelochemical interactions and the molecular target of allelochemicals remain however unknown. To understand the mechanisms, the short-term effects of A. minutum allelochemicals on the physiology of the diatom Chaetoceros muelleri were investigated. The effects of a culture filtrate were measured on the diatom cytoplasmic membrane integrity (polarity and permeability) using flow-cytometry and on the photosynthetic performance using fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. Within 10 min, the unknown allelochemicals induced a depolarization of the cytoplasmic membranes and an impairment of photosynthesis through the inhibition of the plastoquinone-mediated electron transfer between photosystem II and cytochrome b6f. At longer time of exposure, the cytoplasmic membranes were permeable and the integrity of photosystems I, II and cytochrome b6f was compromised. Our demonstration of the essential role of membranes in this allelochemical interaction provides new insights for the elucidation of the nature of the allelochemicals. The relationship between cytoplasmic membranes and the inhibition of the photosynthetic electron transfer remains however unclear and warrants further investigation.