Sub-saturating Light Intensities Research Articles

Optic Nerve Head Myelin-Related Protein, GFAP, and Iba1 Alterations in Non-Human Primates With Early to Moderate Experimental Glaucoma.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to test if optic nerve head (ONH) myelin basic protein (MBP), 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (CNPase), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) proteins are altered in non-human primate (NHP) early/moderate experimental glaucoma (EG).MethodsFollowing paraformaldehyde perfusion, control and EG eye ONH tissues from four NHPs were paraffin embedded and serially (5 µm) vertically sectioned. Anti-MBP, CNPase, GFAP, Iba1, and nuclear dye-stained sections were imaged using sub-saturating light intensities. Whole-section images were segmented creating anatomically consistent laminar (L) and retrolaminar (RL) regions/sub-regions. EG versus control eye intensity/pixel-cluster density data within L and two RL regions (RL1 [1-250 µm]/RL2 [251-500 µm] from L) were compared using random effects models within the statistical program “R.”ResultsEG eye retinal nerve fiber loss ranged from 0% to 20%. EG eyes’ MBP and CNPase intensity were decreased within the RL1 (MBP = 31.4%, P < 0.001; CNPase =62.3%, P < 0.001) and RL2 (MBP = 19.6%, P < 0.001; CNPase = 56.1%, P = 0.0004) regions. EG eye GFAP intensity was decreased in the L (41.6%, P < 0.001) and RL regions (26.7% for RL1, and 28.4% for RL2, both P < 0.001). Iba1+ and NucBlue pixel-cluster density were increased in the laminar (28.2%, P = 0.03 and 16.6%, P = 0.008) and both RL regions (RL1 = 37.3%, P = 0.01 and 23.7%, P = 0.0002; RL2 = 53.7%, P = 0.002 and 33.2%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsRetrolaminar myelin disruption occurs early in NHP EG and may be accompanied by laminar and retrolaminar decreases in astrocyte process labeling and increases in microglial/ macrophage density. The mechanistic and therapeutic implications of these findings warrant further study.

Identification of the Optimal Light Harvesting Antenna Size for High-Light Stress Mitigation in Plants.

One of the major constraints limiting biomass production in autotrophs is the low thermodynamic efficiency of photosynthesis, ranging from 1 to 4%. Given the absorption spectrum of photosynthetic pigments and the spectral distribution of sunlight, photosynthetic efficiencies as high as 11% are possible. It is well-recognized that the greatest thermodynamic inefficiencies in photosynthesis are associated with light absorption and conversion of excited states into chemical energy. This is due to the fact that photosynthesis light saturates at one quarter full sunlight intensity in plants resulting in the dissipation of excess energy as heat, fluorescence and through the production of damaging reactive oxygen species. Recently, it has been demonstrated that it is possible to adjust the size of the light harvesting antenna over a broad range of optical cross sections through targeted reductions in chlorophyll b content, selectively resulting in reductions of the peripheral light harvesting antenna size, especially in the content of Lhcb3 and Lhcb6. We have examined the impact of alterations in light harvesting antenna size on the amplitude of photoprotective activity and the evolutionary fitness or seed production in Camelina grown at super-saturating and sub-saturating light intensities to gain an understanding of the driving forces that lead to the selection for light harvesting antenna sizes best fit for a range of light intensities. We demonstrate that plants having light harvesting antenna sizes engineered for the greatest photosynthetic efficiency also have the greatest capacity to mitigate high light stress through non-photochemical quenching and reduction of reactive oxygen associated damage. Under sub-saturating growth light intensities, we demonstrate that the optimal light harvesting antenna size for photosynthesis and seed production is larger than that for plants grown at super-saturating light intensities and is more similar to the antenna size of wild-type plants. These results suggest that the light harvesting antenna size of plants is designed to maximize fitness under low light conditions such as occurs in shaded environments and in light competition with other plants.

Different roles of cyclic electron flow around photosystem I under sub-saturating and saturating light intensities in tobacco leaves.

In higher plants, the generation of proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane (ΔpH) through cyclic electron flow (CEF) has mainly two functions: (1) to generate ATP and balance the ATP/NADPH energy budget, and (2) to protect photosystems I and II against photoinhibition. The intensity of light under which plants are grown alters both CEF activity and the ATP/NADPH demand for primary metabolic processes. However, it is unclear how the role of CEF is affected by the level of irradiance that is applied during the growth and measurement periods. We studied the role of CEF at different light intensities in leaves from sun- and shade-grown plants. At 849 μmol photons m-2 s-1, both types of leaves had nearly the same degree of CEF activation. Modeling of the ATP/NADPH demand revealed that, at this light intensity, the contribution of CEF toward supplying ATP was much higher in the sun leaves. Meanwhile, the shade leaves showed higher levels of non-photochemical quenching and the P700 oxidation ratio. Therefore, at 849 μmol photons m-2 s-1, CEF mainly helped in the synthesis of ATP in the sun leaves, but functioned in photoprotection for the shade leaves. When the light intensity increased to 1976 μmol photons m-2 s-1, CEF activation was greatly enhanced in the sun leaves, but its contribution to supplying ATP changed slightly. These results indicate that the main role of CEF is altered flexibly in response to light intensity. In particular, CEF mainly contributes to balancing the ATP/NADPH energy budget under sub-saturating light intensities. When exposed to saturating light intensities, CEF mainly protects photosynthetic apparatus against photoinhibition.

Predicting Effects of Ocean Acidification and Warming on Algae Lacking Carbon Concentrating Mechanisms.

Seaweeds that lack carbon-concentrating mechanisms are potentially inorganic carbon-limited under current air equilibrium conditions. To estimate effects of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and ocean acidification on photosynthetic rates, we modeled rates of photosynthesis in response to pCO2, temperature, and their interaction under limiting and saturating photon flux densities. We synthesized the available data for photosynthetic responses of red seaweeds lacking carbon-concentrating mechanisms to light and temperature. The model was parameterized with published data and known carbonate system dynamics. The model predicts that direction and magnitude of response to pCO2 and temperature, depend on photon flux density. At sub-saturating light intensities, photosynthetic rates are predicted to be low and respond positively to increasing pCO2, and negatively to increasing temperature. Consequently, pCO2 and temperature are predicted to interact antagonistically to influence photosynthetic rates at low PFD. The model predicts that pCO2 will have a much larger effect than temperature at sub-saturating light intensities. However, photosynthetic rates under low light will not increase proportionately as pCO2 in seawater continues to rise. In the range of light saturation (Ik), both CO2 and temperature have positive effects on photosynthetic rate and correspondingly strong predicted synergistic effects. At saturating light intensities, the response of photosynthetic rates to increasing pCO2 approaches linearity, but the model also predicts increased importance of thermal over pCO2 effects, with effects acting additively. Increasing boundary layer thickness decreased the effect of added pCO2 and, for very thick boundary layers, overwhelmed the effect of temperature on photosynthetic rates. The maximum photosynthetic rates of strictly CO2-using algae are low, so even large percentage increases in rates with climate change will not contribute much to changing primary production in the habitats where they commonly live.

Effect of dynamic oxygen concentrations on the growth of Neochloris oleoabundans at sub-saturating light conditions

In tubular photobioreactors micro-algae continuously experience dynamically changing oxygen and light conditions when circulating from the solar receiver to the dark degasser. These changes in oxygen concentration and light were simulated in a CSTR using sub-saturating light intensity. Elongation of the residence time in the solar receiver from 30 to 300 min was also investigated. Specific growth rates measured at constant low oxygen concentration PO2=0.21 bar were; 1.14 ± 0.06 day(-1) using continuous light 0.80 ± 0.16 day(-1) with 30 min light and 1.09 ± 0.05 day(-1) with 300 min light. The effect of dynamically changing oxygen concentrations from PO2=0.21 to 0.63 bar followed by degassing resulted in similar specific growth rates. The exposure of the algae cells to dark periods in the degasser has a bigger negative impact than the temporary exposure to accumulating oxygen concentrations in the solar receiver. This shows that considerable energy savings for degassing are possible.

Effect of oxygen at low and high light intensities on the growth of Neochloris oleoabundans

The effect of partial oxygen pressure on growth of Neochloris oleoabundans was studied at near-saturating light intensity in a fully-controlled photobioreactor. At the partial oxygen pressures tested (PO2=0.24; 0.42; 0.63; 0.84bar), the specific growth rate was 1.36; 1.16; 0.93 and 0.68day−1, respectively. An increase of the PCO2 from 0.007 to 0.02bar at PO2 of 0.84bar did not show any positive effect on the overall growth of the algae, contrary to what happens at sub-saturating light intensities. These results indicate that at near-saturating light intensity the inhibitory effect of oxygen by photorespiration cannot be overcome. The chlorophyll content of N. oleoabundans grown at 200μmolm−2s−1 is about 1.9 times higher than when cultivated at 500μmolm−2s−1, whereas the carotenoid content was about 1.5 lower, both demonstrating photoacclimation effects. The elevated oxygen concentration in the growth medium does not affect the pigment content both at sub- and near-saturating light conditions. This indicates that elevated oxygen concentrations in the medium do not contribute to photooxidative damage at the light conditions that are predominantly experienced by algae in closed photobioreactors, but only inhibit the growth via photorespiration effects.

Protein Kinase C Differentially Regulates Entrainment of the Mammalian Circadian Clock

The environmental day-night cycle provides the principal synchronizing signal for behavioral activity in most mammals. Light information is relayed to the master circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), via synaptic transmission from the retina directly to the SCN, where a predominately glutamate-driven cellular signaling pathway is able to reset biochemical, physiological, and behavioral activities. In the present study, we aimed to decipher the key roles played by protein kinase C (PKC) in regulating light-induced behavioral resetting under both a temporal and intensity-dependent manner; in addition, we also investigate PKC contributions to advancing and delaying re-entrainment paradigms. Our findings show that during the early night PKC acts in a temporal manner, where PKC inhibition selectively attenuates light-induced behavioral resetting in response to subsaturating and saturating light intensities. Declines in light response were also evident upon PKC inhibition during the late night, but restricted to bright light stimuli. The positive regulatory actions of PKC were further demonstrated in response to an 8-h delayed re-entrainment paradigm where inhibition of PKC resulted in slower re-entrainment. Further, analysis of both classic and novel PKC isozymes present within the SCN showed significant circadian variation in the mRNA expression of PKCα, indicating possible isozyme-specific mediators in photic signaling. Our data provide evidence of a PKC contribution to both acute light-induced clock resetting, which is intensity and time of day dependent, and a functional role in circadian photoentrainment. (Author correspondence: g.lall@kent.ac.uk)

Growth of the microalgae Neochloris oleoabundans at high partial oxygen pressures and sub-saturating light intensity

The effect of partial oxygen pressure on growth of Neochloris oleoabundans was studied at sub-saturating light intensity in a fully-controlled stirred tank photobioreactor. At the three partial oxygen pressures tested (PO2=0.24; 0.63; 0.84bar), the specific growth rate was 1.38; 1.36 and 1.06day−1, respectively. An increase of the PCO2 from 0.007 to 0.02bar at PO2 of 0.84bar resulted in an increase in the growth rate from 1.06 to 1.36day−1. These results confirm that the reduction of algal growth at high oxygen concentrations at sub-saturating light conditions is mainly caused by competitive inhibition of Rubisco. This negative effect on growth can be overcome by restoring the O2/CO2 ratio by an increase in the partial carbon dioxide pressure. In comparison to general practice (PO2=0.42bar), working at partial O2 pressure of 0.84bar could reduce the energy requirement for degassing by a factor of 3–4.

The plastome-encoded PsaJ subunit is required for efficient Photosystem I excitation, but not for plastocyanin oxidation in tobacco

The functions of several small subunits of the large photosynthetic multiprotein complex PSI (Photosystem I) are not yet understood. To elucidate the function of the small plastome-encoded PsaJ subunit, we have produced knockout mutants by chloroplast transformation in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). PsaJ binds two chlorophyll-a molecules and is localized at the periphery of PSI, close to both the Lhca2- and Lhca3-docking sites and the plastocyanin-binding site. Tobacco psaJ-knockout lines do not display a visible phenotype. Despite a 25% reduction in the content of redox-active PSI, neither growth rate nor assimilation capacity are altered in the mutants. In vivo, redox equilibration of plastocyanin and PSI is as efficient as in the wild-type, indicating that PsaJ is not required for fast plastocyanin oxidation. However, PsaJ is involved in PSI excitation: altered 77 K chlorophyll-a fluorescence emission spectra and reduced accumulation of Lhca3 indicate that antenna binding and exciton transfer to the PSI reaction centre are impaired in DeltapsaJ mutants. Under limiting light intensities, growth of DeltapsaJ plants is retarded and the electron-transport chain is far more reduced than in the wild-type, indicating that PSI excitation might limit electron flux at sub-saturating light intensities. In addition to defining in vivo functions of PsaJ, our data may also have implications for the interpretation of the crystal structure of PSI.

Application of fast repetition rate fluorometry to phytoplankton photosynthetic parameters in freshwaters

Fast repetition rate fluorometry (FRRF) was successfully applied to various studies in modern oceanography. In this study, for the first time, the seasonality of phytoplankton photosynthetic parameters in a deep alpine lake was observed using FRRF in combination with the traditional (14)C incubation technique. Special attention was given to the differences in photosynthetic behaviour during mixed and stratified conditions, characterised especially during summer by a deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) dominated by the filamentous cyanobacterial species Planktothrix rubescens. Maximum light-utilisation efficiency (alpha*(14C)) was in the range of 0.01-0.03 mgC (mg Chl-a)(-1) h(-1 )(mumol phot. m(-2) s(-1))(-1), while maximum quantum yields for carbon fixation (Phi(C,max)) varied from 0.01-0.07 molC (mol phot.)(-1). Higher values occurred during thermal stratification indicating acclimation of the phytoplankton assemblage. These findings were supported by FRRF-based estimates, although cyanobacterial blooms could not be characterised by FRRF-excitation due to methodological deficiencies. In general, however, instantaneous photosynthetic rates measured by FRRF-excitation correlate well at sub-saturating light-intensities with conventional (14)C-uptake rates, although they operate on different time-scales.

The activation state of Rubisco directly limits photosynthesis at low CO(2) and low O(2) partial pressures.

Using gas exchange, enzyme assays, and theoretical modeling of photosynthetic responses to light and CO(2), we investigated whether decarbamylation of the active site of Rubisco at low CO(2) and low light leads to a condition where the activation state of Rubisco directly limits the rate of net CO(2) assimilation. Photosynthetic limitation by a reduction in the activation state of Rubisco would be indicated as a decline in the initial slope of the photosynthetic CO(2) response relative to what is predicted using theoretical models. In bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and oat (Avena sativa), we saw no discrepancy between predicted and observed initial slope values at 200 and 400 mbar O(2), indicating no limitation by the carbamylation state of Rubisco. At 30 mbar O(2) and light saturation, we also saw no discrepancy between predicted and observed initial slope values; however, at subsaturating light intensity, our observed initial slope values were less than the modeled initial slope values that corresponded to an RuBP regeneration limitation. Moreover, significant reduction of the Rubisco activation state occurred in both species at 30 mbar O(2) and 30 mubar CO(2). When the model was reprogrammed to account for observed levels of Rubisco deactivation, the predicted and measured initial slope values at low O(2) and low PPFD were similar, indicating the reduction in carbamylation state accounted for the discrepancy. We interpret this as evidence for a direct limitation of the carbamylation state of Rubisco, probably because of a CO(2) limitation for carbamate formation. This limitation was only observed at intercellular CO(2) levels below what is encountered in vivo. At physiologically relevant CO(2) levels in situ, the leaves maintained sufficient Rubisco activity to avoid cabamylation state limitations in the steady state.

An Arabidopsis thaliana mutant, altered in the γ-subunit of ATP synthase, has a different pattern of intensity-dependent changes in non-photochemical quenching and kinetics of the P-to-S fluorescence decay.

A major photoprotective mechanism that plants employ against excess light involves interplay between the xanthophyll cycle and the accumulation of protons. Using mutants in the xanthophyll cycle, the roles of violaxanthin, antheraxanthin and zeaxanthin have already been well established. In this paper, we present data on intact leaves of a mutant [coupling factor quick recovery mutant (cfq); atpC1:E244K] of Arabidopsis thaliana that we expected, based on 515-nm absorbance changes (Gabrys et al. 1994, Plant Physiology 104, 769-776), to have differences in light-induced ΔpH. The significance of this paper is: (i) it is the first study of the photoprotective energy dissipation involving a mutant of the pH gradient; it establishes that protons play an important role in the pattern of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence; and (ii) differences between the cfq and the wild type (wt) are observed only under subsaturating light intensities, and are strongest in the initial few minutes of the induction period. Our results on light-intensity dependent Chl* a fluorescence transients (the Kautsky effect), and on NPQ of Chl a fluorescence, at 50-250 μmol photons m-2 s-1 demonstrate: (i) the 'P-to-S' (or 'T') decay, known to be related to [H+] (Briantais et al. 1979, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 548, 128-138), is slowed in the mutant; and (ii) the pattern of NPQ kinetics is different in the initial 100 s - in the wt leaves, there is a marked rise and decline, and in the cfq mutant, there is a slowed rise. These differences are absent at 750 μmol photons m-2 s-1. Pre-illumination and nigericin (an uncoupler that dissipates the proton gradient) treatment of the cfq mutant, which has lower ΔpH relative to wild type, confirm the conclusion that protons play an important role in the quenching of Chl a fluorescence.

Avenues for genetic modification of radiation use efficiency in wheat

Radiation use efficiency (RUE) of a crop is a function of several interacting physiological phenomena, each of which can be tackled independently from the point of view of genetic improvement. Although wheat breeding has not raised RUE substantially, theoretical calculations suggest room for improvement. Selection for higher rates of leaf photosynthesis at saturating light intensities (Amax) has not resulted in improved RUE of crops, perhaps in part because most leaves in a canopy are not light-saturated. However, higher Amax may be observed as a pleiotropic effect of other yield-enhancing genes (e.g. genes for reduced height). Genetic transformation of Rubisco to double its specificity for CO2 would theoretically increase Amax by perhaps 20%, and some evidence suggests that photosynthesis at sub-saturating light intensities would also be improved. However, photo-protection may be jeopardized if capacity for oxygenase activity is impaired. Photosynthetic rate of the whole eanopy can be enhanced by manipulation of leaf angle, which is under relatively simple genetic control, and possibly by manipulating leaf-N distribution throughout the canopy. Genetic diversity for adaptation of lower canopy leaves (e.g. changes in chlorophyll a:b ratio) to reduced light intensity observed in some crops needs to be investigated in wheat. Improved RUE may be achieved by increasing sink demand (i.e. kernel number) if excess photosynthetic capacity exists during grain filling, as suggested by a number of studies in which source-sink balance was manipulated. Some evidence suggests that improved sink strength may be achieved by lengthening the duration of the period for juvenile spike growth. Balancing source- and sink-strength is a complex genetic challenge since a crop will change between source and sink limitation as conditions vary during the day, and with phenological stage. Improved RUE will be partly a function of a genotype's ability to buffer itself against changes in its environment to match the demand imposed by its development. Analysis of the physiological basis of genotype by environment interactions may indicate avenues for genetic improvement. The genetic control of photosynthetic regulation may be elucidated in the future through the application of genomics. However, given a lack of specific knowledge on the genetic basis of RUE, empirical selection is currently the most powerful tool for detecting favourable genetic interactions resulting from crosses between lines with superior photosynthetic traits and other high yielding characteristics. Selection for superior segregants can be accelerated using rapidly measured physiological selection traits, such as stomatal conductance or canopy temperature depression.

Specific growth rate of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Chlorella sorokiniana under medium duration light/dark cycles: 13–87 s

The specific growth rate of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Chlorella sorokiniana decreased under square-wave light/dark cycles of medium duration, 13–87 s, in comparison to continuous illumination. Three experiments were done in three different turbidostats at saturating and sub-saturating light intensities during the light period, 240–630 μmol m −2 s −1. Within each experiment the light intensity during the light periods of the intermittent light regimes was equal and this intensity was also applied under continuous illumination. The specific growth rate decreased proportional or more than proportional to the fraction of time the algae were exposed to light; this light fraction ranged from 0.32 to 0.88. We conclude that under these light regimes the chlorophyta C. reinhardtii and C. sorokiniana are not able to store light energy in the light period to sustain growth in the dark period at the same rate as under continuous illumination. C. reinhardtii increased its specific light absorbing surface by increasing its chloropyll-a content under light/dark cycles of 13 s duration and a light fraction of 0.67 at 240 μmol m −2 s −1; the chloropyll-a content was twice as high under intermittent illumination in comparison to continuous illumination. The combination of a higher specific light absorption together with a lower specific growth rate led to a decrease of the yield of biomass on light energy under intermittent illumination.

Bathymetric and seasonal changes in photosynthesis and respiration of the phototrophic sponge Phyllospongia lamellosa in comparison with respiration by the heterotrophic sponge Ianthella basta on Davies Reef, Great Barrier Reef

The phototrophic sponge Phyllospongia lamellosa is found to depths of 30 m on Davies Reef. Studies of the photophysiology show that this corresponds to the depth at which the sponge–symbiont system can meet 80% of its daily respiratory carbon needs photosynthetically. Net 24-h production was constant to a depth of 20 m (20 µmol O2 g-1 fresh weight day -1 ) and then decreased to compensatory levels at 25 m. The maintenance of net 24-h production to a depth of 20 m was characterized by reductions in the sub-saturating light intensity (Ik ), indicating increased efficiency of light usage at depth. At depths greater than 20 m the changes in Ik could not compensate for the reduced light intensity. The respiration rate of Phyllospongia (3–5 µmol O2 g-1 fresh weight h-1 ) was significantly greater than that of the heterotrophic sponge Ianthella (2.0–3.6 µmol O2 g-1 fresh weight h-1 ) to an extent that depended on season and location. Respiration rates for both species changed similarly between seasons, being higher in summer. There was no evidence for increased respiration rates in shallower water (&lt;10 m), suggesting that this is not a cause for the reduced occurrence of Phyllospongia in shallow waters.

Time-course of photoadaptation in the symbiotic sea anemone Anemonia viridis

The time-course of photoadaptation in the symbiotic sea anemone Anemonia viridis (Forskal) was determined on freshly collected anemones which were maintained under low light (LL: 10 μE m-2s-1) or high light (HL: 300 μE m-2s-1) over a period of 35 d. Photosynthesis versus irradiance curves (P vs I) normalised to anemone dry weight were determined for anemones at the start of the experiment and for both groups at 7 d intervals. Photosynthetic parameters derived from the P vs I curves, P max gross (the maximum photosynthetic capacity of the zooxanthellae), α (an estimate of photosynthetic efficiency) and I k(the light-saturating irradiance), and the respiration rate, showed that anemones were high-light adapted before the experiment began. Thereafter, any observed changes occurred only in anemones adapting to the low-light regime. P max gross remained relatively constant over 35 d and there was no significant difference between LL and HL groups. In the LL group α increased and both I kand the respiration rate decreased significantly. These photoadaptive responses were most rapid in the first 7 d, after which change was gradual until about Day 28, when photoadaptation appeared to be complete. In order to predict the physiological mechanisms of photoadaptation to low light, P gross vs I curves normalised to zooxanthellae biomass were constructed for LL and HL anemones at 35 d. Zooxanthellae density and photosynthetic pigment content were also analysed. For LL-adapted anemones, α and chlorophyll a were higher, there were no differences in algal density and chlorophyll c 2 and I kwas lower. It is proposed that the size of the peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein complex (PCP) of the light-harvesting complex was increased to facilitate photoadaptation. Plotting P net vs I normalised to anemone dry weight on the 35 d-photoadapted anemones gave a measure of changes in the excess photosynthetically fixed carbon that was potentially available to the host. Net photosynthesis of the LL group was higher at subsaturating light intensities as a result of the increase in α, and at saturating light intensities P max net was higher as a result of a decrease in the rate of respiration of the whole symbiotic association.

Regulation of Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase Activity in Response to Reduced Light Intensity in C4 Plants.

The light-dependent regulation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activity was studied in 16 species of C4 plants representing all three biochemical subtypes and a variety of taxonomic groups. Rubisco regulation was assessed by measuring (a) the ratio of initial to total Rubisco activity, which reflects primarily the carbamylation state of the enzyme, and (b) total Rubisco activity per mol of Rubisco catalytic sites, which declines when 2-carboxyarabinitol 1-phosphate (CA1P) binds to carbamylated Rubisco. In all species examined, the activity ratio of Rubisco declined with a reduction in light intensity, although substantial variation was apparent between species in the degree of Rubisco deactivation. No relationship existed between the degree of Rubisco deactivation and C4 subtype. Dicots generally deactivated Rubisco to a greater degree than monocots. The total activity of Rubisco per catalytic site was generally independent of light intensity, indicating that CA1P and other inhibitors are not major contributors to the light-dependent regulation of Rubisco activity in C4 plants. The light response of the activity ratio of Rubisco was measured in detail in Amaranthus retroflexus, Brachiaria texana, and Zea mays. In A. retroflexus and B. texana, the activity ratio declined dramatically below a light intensity of 400 to 500 [mu]mol of photons m-2 s-1. In Z. mays, the activity ratio of Rubisco was relatively insensitive to light intensity compared with the other species. In A. retroflexus, the pool size of ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) declined with reduced light intensity except between 50 and 500 [mu]mol m-2 s-1, when the activity ratio of Rubisco was light dependent. In Z. mays, by contrast, the pool size of RuBP was light dependent only below 350 [mu]mol m-2 s-1. These results indicate that, in response to changes in light intensity, most C4 species regulate Rubisco by reversible carbamylation of catalytic sites, as commonly observed in C3 plants. In a few species, notably Z. mays, Rubisco is not extensively regulated in response to changes in light intensity, possibly because the activity of the CO2 pump may become limiting for photosynthesis at subsaturating light intensity.

Effects of Temperature, Light Intensity, Salinity and Source of Nitrogen on the Growth, Total Lipid and Fatty Acid Composition of Ulva pertusa Kjellman (Chlorophyta)

Growth, total lipid content and fatty acid composition of Ulva pertusa Kjellman were studied in a 4 × 2 factorial laboratory experiment at two levels (low and high) of temperature (15 and 25 °C), subsaturating light intensities (16-32 and 48-64 μE m −2 s −1 ), salinity (20 and 35‰) and two sources of nitrogen (nitrate and ammonia). Specific growth rate (SGR) was highest at low temperature (15 °C), high light intensity (48-64 μE m −2 s −1 ) and high salinity (35‰). Interaction between temperature, light intensity and nitrogen source was the highest source of variation in SGR at the beginning of culture, while salinity and salinity-light intensity interactions were the most limiting factors during the later part of culture

A Model Describing the Regulation of Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase, Electron Transport, and Triose Phosphate Use in Response to Light Intensity and CO2 in C3 Plants

A model of the regulation of the activity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase, electron transport, and the rate of orthophosphate regeneration by starch and sucrose synthesis in response to changes in light intensity and partial pressures of CO(2) and O(2) is presented. The key assumption behind the model is that nonlimiting processes of photosynthesis are regulated to balance the capacity of limiting processes. Thus, at CO(2) partial pressures below ambient, when a limitation on photosynthesis by the capacity of rubisco is postulated, the activities of electron transport and phosphate regeneration are down-regulated in order that the rate of RuBP regeneration matches the rate of RuBP consumption by rubisco. Similarly, at subsaturating light intensity or elevated CO(2), when electron transport or Pi regeneration may limit photosynthesis, the activity of rubisco is downregulated to balance the limitation in the rate of RuBP regeneration. Comparisons with published data demonstrate a general consistency between modelled predictions and measured results.

Regulation of Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase Activity in Response to Light Intensity and CO2 in the C3 Annuals Chenopodium album L. and Phaseolus vulgaris L.

The light and CO(2) response of (a) photosynthesis, (b) the activation state and total catalytic efficiency (k(cat)) of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (rubisco), and (c) the pool sizes of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate, (RuBP), ATP, and ADP were studied in the C(3) annuals Chenopodium album and Phaseolus vulgaris at 25 degrees C. The initial slope of the photosynthetic CO(2) response curve was dependent on light intensity at reduced light levels only (less than 450 micromoles per square meter per second in C. album and below 200 micromoles per square meter per second in P. vulgaris). Modeled simulations indicated that the initial slope of the CO(2) response of photosynthesis exhibited light dependency when the rate of RuBP regeneration limited photosynthesis, but not when rubisco capacity limited photosynthesis. Measured observations closely matched modeled simulations. The activation state of rubisco was measured at three light intensities in C. album (1750, 550, and 150 micromoles per square meter per second) and at intercellular CO(2) partial pressures (C(1)) between the CO(2) compensation point and 500 microbars. Above a C(1) of 120 microbars, the activation state of rubisco was light dependent. At light intensities of 550 and 1750 micromoles per square meter per second, it was also dependent on C(1), decreasing as the C(1) was elevated above 120 microbars at 550 micromoles per square meter per second and above 300 microbars at 1750 micromoles per square meter per second. The pool size of RuBP was independent of C(1) only under conditions when the activation state of rubisco was dependent on C(1). Otherwise, RuBP pool sizes increased as C(1) was reduced. ATP pools in C. album tended to increase as C(1) was reduced. In P. vulgaris, decreasing C(1) at a subsaturating light intensity of 190 micromoles per square meter per second increased the activation state of rubisco but had little effect on the k(cat). These results support modelled simulations of the rubisco response to light and CO(2), where rubisco is assumed to be down-regulated when photosynthesis is limited by the rate of RuBP regeneration.