RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LIGHT QUALITY DEPENDENCE AND IRRADIANCE ADAPTATION OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN Acetabularia mediterranea*

Characteristic differences in the light intensity curves of photosynthesis after growth of cells of Acetabularia mediterranea Lamour. (A. acetabulum (L.) Silva) in weak and strong white light were similar to those for red and blue light-treated cells, respectively. This indicated that responses to white light quantity and those to light quality might be causally related. Small differences in the thylakoid polypeptide composition of cells grown in high and low intensities of white light were not significant and thus did not help to clarify whether the adaptations to blue or red light, respectively, were the same. When the red to blue-light ratio was varied, keeping the total photon fluence rate constant, the photosynthetic capacity (red light saturated O₂-production) was dependent on blue light irradiance in a logarithmic fashion. The specific influence of red light was not detectable, indicating that only blue light was effective for light irradiance adaptation in Acetabularia. The situation was different, at least for a transient period, when adaptation to light irradiance was allowed to proceed from a low photosynthetic activity after preirradiation of the cells with prolonged red light. The effect of low white light irradiances was pronounced, causing a maximum increase of photosynthetic activity within 3 days. The response to blue light was enhanced as well, and a very low photon irradiance added to continuous red light caused a change of the same order as that produced by high irradiances of blue light alone. This elevated action of low intensity white and blue light is most likely due to increased metabolite supply derived from the degradation of starch enhanced by this light quality. Therefore, photosynthetic effectiveness in Acetabularia is regulated by the irradiance of blue light and by feedback via photosynthetic products.     

RAPID STOMATAL RESPONSE TO RED LIGHT IN Zea mays

Gas exchange techniques were employed to study responses of stomatal conductance to pulses of red and blue light in the grass, Zea mays. Zea mays exhibited conductance increases following brief (< 1 min) pulses of either red or blue light, in contrast to other species (e.g. Commelina communis; Assmann, 1988, Plant Physiol. 87 , 226–231) that exhibit consistent conductance responses only to pulses of blue light. Red light pulses of 450 μmol m^?2s^?1 for x min or 225 μmol m^?2s^?1 for 2x min were used to probe the fluence dependence of the red light response. The red light-stimulated conductance increase was constant for a given fluence, and increased with increasing total fluence. The conductance response to red light was larger in field grown plants (maximum growth irradiance ? 1600 μmol m-²s^?l) than in plants raised in growth chambers (maximum growth irradiance ? 150 μmol m^?2s^?1).     

ARE THERE SEVERAL PHOTORECEPTORS INVOLVED IN PHOTOTROPISM OF Phycomyces blakesleeunus? KINETIC STUDIES OF DICHROMATIC IRRADIATION*

Abstract— Photogeotropic equilibrium angles were measured for Phycomyces blakesleeanus wild type firstly by means of dichromatic fluence rate response curves using simultaneous irradiation with near threshold 450 nm reference light (constant at 1.2 × 10^?8 W m^?2) and variable fluence rates of test light (498–630 nm) from the same side. These curves showed minima for test light fluence rates that were close to the photogeotropic threshold for these wavelengths. Secondly, the time course of this inhibitory effect was studied with both the inductive reference 450 nm light (2 × 10^?-⁷ W m^?2) and the test light (606 or 450 nm) given as light pulses of 2 s duration (2 s light/48 s dark periods for 6 h). The dark period between the onset of the inductive reference light and test light pulses was varied between 0 and 48 s. No inhibitory effects were observed for simultaneous pulses; however, inhibitory effects were demonstrated for delay times of 2 s and 20 s for 606 nm as well as 450 nm test light. If the test light pulses were given immediately before the inductive reference light, only 606 nm test light was effective in producing a significant inhibitory effect. The results are discussed with regard to a multichromophoric photoreceptor system and to the wavelength dependence of the effects observed. The data and conclusions favor a photoreceptor system with at least two separate chromophoric absorptions of the blue light receptor type, one acting positively, the other acting inhibitorily, and at least one other photoreceptor of presumably minor influence.     

BIOCHEMICAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE QUANTUM EFFICIENCY OF HYDROGEN PRODUCTION BY MEMBRANES OF GREEN PHOTOSYNTHETIC BACTERIA*

Abstract— Photohydrogen production, 200-700 μmol H₂ h^?1 (mg bacteriochlorophyll a)^?1 has been obtained in a system containing unit membrane vesicles (Complex I) from the green photosynthetic bacterium Chiorobium limicola f. thiosulfatophilum, ascorbate, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylene-diamine, dithioerythritol, an oxygen scavenging mixture, either methyl viologen (MV) or clostridial ferredoxin (CPS Fd) as electron carrier, and either CPS hydrogenase or platinum asbestos as catalyst. All components are necessary for maximum activity, and spinach Fd cannot be substituted for CPS Fd. Higher rates of photohydrogen production are obtained using MV or CPS Fd with hydrogenase than with MV and Pt asbestos. The highest quantum efficiencies (7–10% at 0.2–0.9 mW absorbed light and over 20% at lower light) were obtained with CPS Fd, hydrogenase and non-saturating 812 nm light. With saturating white light, however, rates of photohydrogen production varied relatively little among the various combinations of electron carrier and catalyst tested. The reaction rate is unaffected by 0.03% Triton X-100, and is insensitive to treatment with antimycin a or m-chloro-carbonyl cyanide phenylhydrazone. This indicates that neither electron flow through an endogenous cyclic chain, nor maintenance of a proton gradient are involved in this process.     

Photosynthetic Activity in Marine and Brackish Water Strains of Fucus vesiculosus and Fucus radicans (Phaeophyceae) at Different Light Qualities

This study investigates the effects of different light qualities on the photosynthetic capacity of the brown algae Fucus vesiculosus, from the Norwegian Sea, and Fucus radicans and F. vesiculosus, from the Bothnian Sea. The electron transport rates (ETR) obtained for F. vesiculosus from the Norwegian Sea showed significantly higher levels of light saturation compared with both species of algae from the Bothnian Sea. The maximum of ETR values for the Norwegian Sea strain showed no significant changes due to varying light quality compared with the initial values. For F. vesiculosus, from the Bothnian Sea, treatment with blue light showed an effect after 1 week of 30 and 90 μmol photons m^?2 s^?1 (P < 0.01), and for F. radicans from the Bothnian Sea, at the irradiance of 90 μmol photons m^?2 s^?1 and 1 week (P < 0.01). After 1 week in the Bothnian Sea species and after 2 weeks in F. vesiculosus from the Norwegian Sea, the photosynthetic efficiency (α) was significantly higher regardless of light quality and irradiance compared with the initial values. Variation in light quality and irradiance had minor effects on the F_v:F_m values of the three algal strains studied.     

Photosynthetic Electron Transport in an Anoxygenic Photosynthetic Bacterium Afifella (Rhodopseudomonas) marina Measured Using PAM Fluorometry

Blue diode‐based pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) technology can be used to measure the photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR) in a purple nonsulfur anoxygenic photobacterium, Afifella (Rhodopseudomonas) marina. Rhodopseudomonads have a reaction center light harvesting antenna complex containing an RC‐2 type bacteriochlorophyll a protein (BChl a RC‐2‐LH1) which has a blue absorption peak and variable fluorescence similar to PSII. Absorptance of cells filtered onto glass fiber disks was measured using a blue–diode‐based absorptance meter (Blue‐RAT) so that absolute ETR could be calculated from PAM experiments. Maximum quantum yield (Y) was ≈0.6, decreasing exponentially as irradiance increased. ETR vs irradiance (P vs E) curves fitted the waiting‐in‐line model (ETR = (ETR_max × E/E_opt) × exp(1 ? E/E_opt)). Maximum ETR (ETR_max) was ≈1000–2000 μmol e^? mg^?1 BChl a h^?1. Fe²⁺, bisulfite and thiosulfate act as photosynthetic electron donors. Optimum irradiance was ≈100 μmol m^?2 s^?1 PPFD even in Afifella grown in sunlight. Quantum efficiencies (α) were ≈0.3–0.4 mol e^? mol hλ^?1; or ≈11.8 ± 2.9 mol e^? mol hλ^?1 m² μg^?1 BChl a). An underlying layer of Afifella in a constructed algal/photosynthetic bacterial mat has little effect on the measured ETR of the overlying oxyphotoautotroph (Chlorella).     

KINETICS OF Pfr APPEARANCE IN Amaranthus caudatus‡

Abstract— The kinetics of the far-red absorbing form of phytochrome (P_fr) appearance from intermediates in the pathway from the red absorbing form of phytochrome (P_r) to P_fr that accumulate under high fluence rate white light have been investigated in 3-day old dark grown Amaranthus caudatus seedlings. The appearance of P_(r after a 5 s white light pulse was measured over the temperature range -8 to 25^°C in samples flushed with O₂ or N₂. Over the whole temperature range under anaerobic conditions the kinetics of the slowest component of P_fr appearance are faster than in the presence of O₂. Arrhenius plots are linear over this temperature range and indicate the activation energy for the slowest component of P_fr appearance is 44.05 ± 1.97 kJ mol^?1 for O₂ and 53.69 ± 4.86 kJ mol^?1 for N₂.     

BLUE AND WHITE LIGHT EFFECTS ON CHLOROPLAST DEVELOPMENT IN A SOYBEAN MUTANT

Phenotypic difference for chloroplast development between the normal green (CL1) and the Cy₉y₉ soybean mutant was observed when the plants were grown under 18W m^?2 white or blue light. Under these conditions the mutant soybean accumulated less Chi b, neoxanthin, carotene and less total pigment than the CL1 genotype. Chloroplasts of the Cy₉y₉ line were deficient in the LHP complex relative to that of chloroplasts from the normal soybean. Specific differences were noted between chloroplasts from plants grown under blue and white light. Accumulations of a 34 kD (PSII) and a 16–17 kD (PSI) membrane polypeptide were decreased by blue light in both soybean genotypes. Blue light induced a greater accumulation of a 32 kD (PSII) polypeptide than white light. Blue light reduced granal thylakoid stacking and increased the proportion of stroma thylakoids compared to those that developed under white light. PSI electron transport activity was stimulated by the blue light treatment more than that of PSII.     

INVOLVEMENT OF THYLAKOID MEMBRANE-DEPENDENT PHOTOSENSITIZATION IN PHOTOINHIBITION OF THE CALVIN CYCLE ACTIVITY IN SPINACH CHLOROPLASTS

Photoinhibition of the light-regulated key enzymes of the photosynthetic carbon reduction (PCR) cycle was investigated using chloroplasts isolated from spinach leaves. Light quality dependence of the light-induced activity change (activation or inactivation) of key PCR enzymes in situ demonstrated that, while light activation is promoted mainly by red light (Λ.> 600 nm), inactivation takes place largely in the region of blue light (Λ < 500 nm). Inactivation was suppressed by a lipid soluble singlet oxygen (¹O_2,¹Δ_g) quencher. When “stromal protein” was subjected to a severe photoinhibitory treatment, no significant loss of activity was observed for any PCR enzyme assayed. However, the inclusion of thylakoids in the photolysis system resulted in a substantial inactivation of the enzymes; this inactivation was significantly diminished in the presence of imidazole and enhanced to some extent by a partial deuteration of medium. In contrast, superoxide dismutase did not exert any effect. The blue light-induced inactivation of the enzymes was remarkably decreased in the presence of thylakoids whose Fe-S centers were destroyed. The results obtained in this study suggest that photoinactivation of the PCR enzymes in situ is mediated mainly by ¹O₂, which is photoproduced primarily by the Fe-S centers of thylakoids and diffuses into the stroma.     

RUTHENIUM RED INHIBITION OF OXYGEN EVOLUTION AND SPECIFIC RELEASE OF THE EXTRINSIC 16 kDa POLYPEPTIDE IN A PHOTOSYSTEM II PREPARATION

The inhibitory effect of the dye ruthenium red was studied in photosystem II-enriched submembrane fractions. A number of distinct types of interaction were found, which differed in their concentration range and required incubation time. Ruthenium red instantaneously quenches the initial chlorophyll a fluorescence level (F₀) and the maximum fluorescence level (F_m) by enhancing radiationless deactivation in the chlorophyll light harvesting complex. Associated with this quenching of fluorescence is an instantaneous decrease in the quantum yield of oxygen evolution. Ruthenium red also inhibited the light saturated rate of oxygen evolution and the variable fluorescence, monitored 80 µs after a saturating excitation-flash. These inhibitions increased with incubation time and became greater than 50% within 5 min. Although ruthenium red was known to affect Ca²⁺ or Cl^? sites specifically, the inhibitory action was more pronounced than simple Ca²⁺ or Cl^? depletion. Incubation with ruthenium red for 5 min blocks the Z P680⁺ → Z⁺ P680 charge transfer reaction. Upon mixing with the photosystem II preparation, ruthenium red induced specific release of the extrinsic 16 kDa polypeptide associated with water-splitting without release of Mn. It is proposed that the inhibitor produces an ionic imbalance which alters the configuration of the donor side of photosystem II.     

THE MODE OF INTERACTION BETWEEN BLUE (UV) LIGHT PHOTORECEPTOR AND PHYTOCHROME IN ANTHOCYANIN FORMATION OF THE SORGHUM SEEDLING

Two non-photosynthetic photoreceptors (phytochrome and a blue light photoreceptor) are involved in light-mediated anthocyanin synthesis in the mesocotyl of Sorghum seedlings. The present study was undertaken to investigate the kind of interaction between phytochrome and the blue light photoreceptor. The data show that phytochrome (P_fr) can only act once a blue light effect has occurred. On the other hand, the blue light effect cannot express itself without P_fr. It is concluded that there is an obligatory dependency (or sequential interaction) between the blue light effect and the light effect occurring through phytochrome, although the blue light photoreaction per se is not affected by the presence or absence of phytochrome. The latter statement is based on the results of dichromatic experiments, i.e. simultaneous, high fluence rate irradiation with two kinds of light. Blue light can be replaced by UV light. It is not clarified yet whether the effect of blue and UV light is due to the same photoreceptor.     

EFFECT OF BLUE LIGHT AND RED LIGHT ON THE CONTROL PEA LEAVES TO INCREASED FLUENCE RATES OF CHLOROPLAST ACCLIMATION OF LIGHT-GROWN PEA LEAVES TO INCREASED FLUENCE RATES

Abstract— We have investigated the possibility of the involvement of a blue light fluence-rate sensing photoreceptor in the light acclimation of chloroplast components in light-grown pea seedlings. Low lightgrown seedlings were acclimated for 2 days to either 20 or 200 μmol^m-2s-2 of white, blue-enriched, or broad-band red light. An increase in blue-enriched light fluence rate was more effective than that of red light in bringing about both inhibition of internode growth and the enhancement of the chlorophyll a/b ratio. Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase and cytochrome f protein levels, per unit cell, also increased more markedly (around two-fold) in response to an increase in blue light. The 23 kDa polypeptide of the oxygen-evolving complex and the light-harvesting chlorophyll d b protein of photosystem II apoprotein levels vaned under all wavelengths to a lesser extent, correlating with total protein levels or greening. These data are consistent with the hypothesis of a role for a blue photoreceptor in detecting low versus high fluence rate of light, and subsequently controlling the light acclimation responses. Nevertheless photosynthesis or other mechanisms of fluence-rate photoperception must also be involved.     

PHYTOCHROME-MEDIATED PHOTOTROPISM IN PROTONEMATA OF THE MOSS Ceratodon purpureus BRID

Abstract— Protonemata of the moss Ceratodon purpureus cultured in white light were transferred to darkness for 3 days and then used for phototropic experiments. Irradiation of the apical region of vertically position protonemata with small beams (0.2 mm) of red light induced a growth response towards the irradiated side (positive phototropism). The phototropic response showed irradiance dependence. The effect of red light was completely reversed by far-red light following red light irradiations, demonstrating that phytochrome was the photoreceptor pigment. Far-red light or UV-blue light had no influence on either bulging or phototropism. Experiments with linearly polarized red or far-red light showed a different dichroic distribution of phytochrome in its different forms, the red-absorbing form, P_r and the far-red-absorbing form, P_fr. Red light with a vibration plane parallel to the long axis of the filaments was most effective. The effectiveness of far-red light was expressed best when its vibration plane was 90° to the electrical vector of the inductive red light.     

THE ACTION SPECTRUM OF DAPHNIA MAGNA (CRUSTACEA) PHOTOTAXIS IN A SIMULATED NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract— The action spectrum of phototaxis in Daphnia magna (Crustacea) was measured in a chamber which simulated a natural angular distribution of underwater light. A 17% step-down in irradiance was used to stimulate the phototactic response at all wavelengths and irradiances tested. Peaks in the spectral response curves depended on the fluence rate to which the zooplankton were acclimated. The wavelength of maximum response (Z_max) shifted from yellow-green at the highest acclimation fluence rate (5.1 × 10⁻² Wm⁻²) to blue-violet at moderate rates. At low acclimation fluence rates, the blue-violet maximum was retained and another maximum developed in the red. At the lowest fluence rate (1.6 × 10⁻⁵ Wm⁻²), the blue-violet and red maxima were lost and another maximum developed in the near ultraviolet. The action spectrum indicates the presence of three, and possibly four, photopigments with Z_max, at ∼405, 440, 570 and 690nm. The 440 and 690nm maxima may belong to the same photopigment; however, this was not tested. Changes in zooplankton swimming speed, caused either by large changes in irradiance or by mechanical stimuli, were accompanied by changes in the strength of the phototactic response to the −17% stimulus at any irradiance level for white and monochromatic light, and indicated the presence of a mechanism connecting swimming speed and photosensitivity.     

THE WHITE MEMBRANE OF CRYSTALLINE BACTERIOOPSIN IN HALOBACTERIUM HALOBIUM STRAIN R1mW AND ITS CONVERSION INTO PURPLE MEMBRANE BY EXOGENOUS RETINAL

Abstract— A new strain isolated from Halobacterium halobium designated R₁mW, contained negligible amounts of isoprenoid pigments, had a yellowish white color due to respiratory pigments and showed no proton movement in response to light. However, addition of all-trans-retinal converted R₁mW into purple cells. Formation of both halorhodopsin and bacteriorhodopsin was indicated by induction of light-dependent proton uptake and release, respectively. Both haloopsin and bacterioopsin were thus postulated to be present in R₁mW. Electron micrographs of freeze-fractured cytoplasmic membranes revealed patches in a hexagonal array of trimeric particles, comparable to the purple membrane structure. These white membrane patches were isolated by procedures similar to those for the purple membrane. The white membrane's buoyant density was about 1.18 g/m/, and its main component migrated on sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gels at the same rate as bacteriorhodopsin. The white membrane showed only a small absorption peak at ～410nm due to contaminating respiratory pigments and a strong absorption at around 275 nm and shorter wavelengths. The white membrane was thus considered to be mainly composed of bacterioopsin, which was readily converted into bacteriorhodopsin by an addition of all-trans-retinal. The absorption and CD spectra of the white membrane were measured before and after addition of retinal. The molar extinction coefficient of dark-adapted bacteriorhodopsin formed was determined to be 53000M^?1 cm^?1 at 560 nm from retinal binding studies. The CD spectrum of the white membrane was negligible in the visible region but showed several bands assigned to aromatic and backbone structures in the UV region. Retinal addition caused considerable changes in the spectrum, yielding the CD spectrum of crystalline purple membrane bacteriorhodopsin. The white membrane thus appears to be a preparation suitable for structure-function studies of bacteriorhodopsin.     

ACTION SPECTRA FOR LIGHT-INDUCED DE-EPOXIDATION AND EPOXIDATION OF XANTHOPHYLLS IN SPINACH LEAF*

Abstract— The action spectra for violaxanthin de-epoxidation and zeaxanthin epoxidation in New Zealand spinach leaf segments, Tetragonia expansa, were determined at equal incident quanta of 2·0 × 10¹⁵ quanta cm^-2 sec^-1. Precise action spectra were not obtained due to variable leaf activity. The de-epoxidation action spectrum had major peaks at approximately 480 and 648 nm. Blue light was slightly more effective than red light and little activity was observed beyond 700 nm. The epoxidation action spectrum showed major peaks at around 440 and 670 nm. Blue light was more effective than red light and light beyond 700 nm showed definite activity. The net result of de-epoxidation and epoxidation is a cyclic scheme, the violaxanthin cycle, which consumes O₂ and photoproducts. The action spectra indicate that the violaxanthin cycle is more active in blue than in red light and therefore could account for O₂ uptake stimulated by blue light. However, the violaxanthin cycle is not the pathway for O₂ uptake by photosynthetic system 1. It was suggested that the violaxanthin cycle may function as a pathway for the consumption of excess photoproducts generated in blue light or the conversion of these photo-products to other forms of energy.     

POTENTIAL ERRORS IN THE USE OF CELLULOSE DIACETATE AND MYLAR FILTERS IN UV-B RADIATION STUDIES

Abstract— The increase in UV-B radiation(290–320 nm) penetrating to the earth's surface as a result of the chemical depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer is an important environmental concern. In most studies using artificial UV-B sources, the determination of enhanced UV-B radiation effects on plants relies on equivalent UV-A radiation(320–400 nm) from the experimental UV-B fluorescent lamp source, filtered with either cellulose diacetate (CA) to create UV-B treatments, or with type S Mylar or polyester (PE) to create controls (no UV-B). The spectral irradiance in the UV-A was measured in the dark below lamps at two daily UV-B irradiance levels (14.1 and 10.7 W m^-2) with CA and PE at two ages. Highly significant differences in UV-A radiation (P 0.01) were measured below the treatment/control pairs at both fluence rates and filter ages. Filter aging was observed, which reduced the UV-A irradiance, especially for PE. The total daily ambient UV-A irradiance was also determined in the glasshouse at three seasons: the fall equinox, summer and winter, from which the total daily UV-A (lamp + ambient) irradiances were calculated. The addition of low to moderate ambient irradiance removed the treatment/control differences in the longwave UV-A(350–400 nm); however, the treatment/contro1 differences remained in the shortwave UV-A(320–350 nm), which was restricted by the glass, and in the total UV-A. The treatment/control differences persisted in the shortwave UV-A for the higher irradiance level, even under high summer ambient light. Also, spectral ratios (UVB:UV-A and shortwave: longwave UV-A) for all treatment groups decreased as the ambient UV-A radiation increased. Therefore, a range of experimental conditions exist where PE-covered lamps do not provide adequate control for UV-A irradiance, relative to the CA treatment, for glasshouse/growth chamber experiments. Potential complications in the interpretation of plant response exist for UV-B experiments conducted under low ambient light conditions (e.g. growth chambers; glasshouse in winter) or high daily UV-B irradiances (e.g. 14 kJ m^-2) for those plant responses that are sensitive to UV-A radiation.     

AN ACTION SPECTRUM IN THE BLUE and ULTRAVIOLET FOR PHOTOTROPISM IN ALFALFA*

Abstract Phototropism is a common property of plants, but it is not known if different species use the same photoreceptor for their response. We have determined fluence-response relations for phototropism in response to brief, broad-band blue irradiation for four plant species grown under red light (Amaranthus paniculatus, Linum usitatissimum, Vigna radiata and Medicago sativa) and compared these to ones previously obtained for Pisum sativum and Zea mays, grown under similar conditions. Curves for all species showed a bell-shaped dependence on fluence, a characteristic of first positive curvature as originally defined for the Avena coleoptile, and had a similar optimal fluence, near 3 H.mol m^?2. We have obtained an action spectrum in the blue and UV spectral regions for first positive phototropism of the hypocotyl of alfalfa grown under red light. Fluence-response curves at wavelengths between 300 and 500 nm were nearly identical in shape and magnitude; whereas below 300 nm, their slopes and maximum curvatures were reduced. The action spectrum showed that activity rose sharply at wavelengths below 500 nm, peaked at 450 nm with shoulders on either side of that peak, and had lesser peaks at 380 and, in the far ultraviolet, at 280 nm. This action spectrum was very similar to ones in the literature (obtained between 350 and 500 nm) for first and second positive phototropism of oat coleoptiles. We conclude that the same photoreceptor mediates phototropism in oat and alfalfa.     

CONTROL OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC REDUCTANT: THE ROLE OF LIGHT AND TEMPERATURE ON SUSTAINED HYDROGEN PHOTOEVOLUTION BY Chlamydomonas sp. IN AN ANOXIC,CARBON DIOXIDE-CONTAINING ATMOSPHERE*

–Sustained hydrogen photoevolution from Chlamy domonas reinhardtii and C. Moewusii was measured under an anoxic, CO₂-containing atmosphere. It has been discovered that light intensity and temperature influence the partitioning of reductant between the hydrogen photoevolution pathway and the Calvin cycle. Under low incident light intensity (1-3 W m^-2) or low temperature (approx. 0°C), the flow of photosynthetic reductant to the Calvin cycle was reduced, and reductant was partitioned to the hydrogen pathway as evidenced by sustained H₂ photoevolution. Under saturating light (25 W m^-2) and moderate temperature (20±5°C), the Calvin cycle became the absolute sink for reductant with the exception of a burst of H₂ occurring at light on. This burst of H₂ corresponded to the expression of about 450 electrons for each photosynthetic electron transport chain. These results suggest that the hydrogen pathway and the Calvin cycle compete for reductant under anoxic conditions and that partioning between the two pathways can, to a certain extent, be controlled by the appropriate choice of experimental conditions.     

PHYTOCHROME CONTROL OF ITS OWN SYNTHESIS IN Sorghum vulgare AND Avena sativa

The accumulation of phytochrome in the dark was measured for Avena sativa seedlings after a white light pretreatment and for Sorghum vulgare seedlings after continuous red or far-red light treatments, using the herbicide Norflurazon to prevent greening under continuous irradiation. In both cases the accumulation of phytochrome depends on the state of the phytochrome at the light-dark transition: high P_fr levels (red light pulse) led to a slower rate of phytochrome accumulation than lower P_fr levels (long wavelength far-red (RG 9) light pulse). Poly-(A⁺)-RNA was isolated fromA. sativa seedlings grown for 48 h in darkness + 24 h WL + light pulse (5 min) (red, RG 9 light, red followed by RG 9 light or RG 9 followed by red light pulse) + 19 h darkness. The poly-(A⁺)-RNA was translated in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system and the translation products were immunoprecipitated by specific anti-phytochrome antibodies. It was demonstrated that the activity of mRNA coding for phytochrome was under phytochrome control.