Chlorophyll fluorescence has developed into a well-established noninvasive technique to study photosynthesis and by extension, the physiology of plants and algae. The versatility of the fluorescence analysis has been improved significantly due to advancements in the technology of light sources, detectors, and data handling. This allowed the development of an instrumention that is effective, easy to handle, and affordable. Several of these techniques rely on point measurements. However, the response of plants to environmental stresses is heterogeneous, both spatially and temporally. Beside the nonimaging systems, low- and high-resolution imaging systems have been developed and are in use as real-time, multi-channel fluorometers to investigate heterogeneous patterns of photosynthetic performance of leaves and algae. This review will revise in several paragraphs the current status of chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, in exploring photosynthetic features to evaluate the physiological response of plant organisms in different domains. In the conclusion paragraph, an attempt will be made to answer the question posed in the title., R. Valcke., and Obsahuje bibliografické odkazy
Recent reports have indicated a considerably inactivated PSII in twig cortices, in spite of the low light transmittance of overlying periderms. Corresponding information for more deeply located and less illuminated tissues like xylem rays and pith are lacking. In this investigation we aimed to characterize the efficiency of PSII and its light sensitivity along twig depth, in conjunction with the prevailing light quantity and quality. To that aim, optical methods (spectral reflectance and transmittance, chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, low temperature fluorescence spectra) and photoinhibitory treatments were applied in cut twig sections of four tree species, while corresponding leaves served as controls. Compared to leaves, twig tissues displayed lower chlorophyll (Chl) levels and dark-adapted PSII efficiency, with strong decreasing gradients towards the twig center. The low PSII efficiencies in the inner stem were not an artifact due to an actinic effect of measuring beam or to an enhanced contribution of PSI fluorescence. In fact, the PSII/PSI ratios in cortices were higher and those in the xylem rays similar to that of leaves. Inner twig tissues were quite resistant to photoinhibitory treatments, tolerating irradiation levels several-fold higher than those encountered in their microenvironment. Moreover, the extent of high light tolerance was similar in naturally exposed and shaded twig sides. The results indicate an increasing, inherent and light-independent inactivation of PSII along twig depth. The findings are discussed on the basis of a recently proposed model for photosynthetic electron flow in twigs, taking into account the specific atmospheric and light microenvironment as well as the possible metabolic needs of such bulky organs. and C. Yiotis, Y. Petropoulou, Y. Manetas.
Spatial heterogeneity of chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence over thalli of three foliose lichen species was studied using Chl fluorescence imaging (CFI) and slow Chl fluorescence kinetics supplemented with quenching analysis. CFI values indicated species-specific differences in location of the most physiologically active zones within fully hydrated thalli: marginal thallus parts (Hypogymnia physodes), central part and close-to-umbilicus spots (Lasallia pustulata), and irregulary-distributed zones within thallus (Umbilicaria hirsuta). During gradual desiccation of lichen thalli, decrease in Chl fluorescence parameters (FO - minimum Chl fluorescence at point O, FP - maximum Chl fluorescence at P point, Φ2 - effective quantum yield of photochemical energy conversion in photosystem 2) was observed. Under severe desiccation (>85 % of water saturation deficit), substantial thalli parts lost their apparent physiological activity and the resting parts exhibited only a small Chl fluorescence. Distribution of these active patches was identical with the most active areas found under full hydration. Thus spatial heterogeneity of Chl fluorescence in foliose lichens may reflect location of growth zones (pseudomeristems) within thalli and adjacent newly produced biomass. When exposed to high irradiance, fully-hydrated thalli of L. pustulata and U. hirsuta showed either an increase or no change in FO, and a decrease in FP. Distribution of Chl fluorescence after the high irradiance treatment, however, remained the same as before the treatment. After 60 min of recovery in the dark, FO and FP did not recover to initial values, which may indicate that the lichen used underwent a photoinhibition. The CFI method is an effective tool in assessing spatial heterogeneity of physiological activity over lichen thalli exposed to a variety of environmental factors. It may be also used to select a representative area at a lichen thallus before application of single-spot fluorometric techniques in lichens. and M. Barták, J. Hájek, J. Gloser.
We honor here Hartmut Karl Lichtenthaler, a pioneer of plant physiology, plant biochemistry, plant biophysics, plant molecular biology, and stress physiology. His contributions to the ingenious use of chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging in understanding the physiological processes in leaves stand out. We wish him many happy and productive years of research and educating others., G. Govindjee., and Obsahuje bibliografické odkazy
Mutants with altered leaf morphology are useful as markers for the study of genetic systems and for probing the leaf differentiation process. One such mutant with deficient greening and altered development of the leaf mesophyll appeared in an inbred line of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The objectives of the present study were to determine the inheritance of the mutant leaf trait and its morphological characterisation. The mutation, named mesophyll cell defective1 (mcd1), has pleiotropic effects and it is inherited as a monogenic recessive. The structure and tissue organization of mcd1 leaves are disrupted. In mcd1 leaves, the mesophyll has prominent intercellular spaces, and palisade and spongy tissues are not properly shaped. The mutant palisade cells also appear to be more vacuolated and with a reduced number of chloroplasts than the wild type leaves of equivalent developmental stage. The lamina thickness of mcd1 leaves is greatly variable and in some areas no mesophyll cells are present between the adaxial and abaxial epidermis. The leaf area of the mcd1 mutant is extremely reduced as well as the stem height. A deficient accumulation of photosynthetic pigments characterizes both cotyledons and leaves of the mutant. In mcd1 leaves, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence imaging evidences a spatial heterogeneity of leaf photosynthetic performance. Little black points, which correspond to photosystem II (PSII) maximum efficiency (Fv/Fm) values close to zero, characterize the mcd1 leaves. Similarly, the lightadapted quantum efficiency (ΦPSII) values show a homogeneous distribution over wild type leaf lamina, while the damaged areas in mcd1 leaves, represented by yellow zones, are prominent. In conclusion, the loss of function of the MCD1 gene in Helianthus annuus is correlated with a variegated leaf phenotype characterized by a localized destruction of mesophyll morphogenesis and defeat of PSII activity. and M. Fambrini ... [et al.].
In view of predicted climatic changes for the Mediterranean region, study of high temperature and drought impacts on physiological responses of endangered species regains relevance. In this context, micropropagated plants of Tuberaria major, a critically endangered species, endemic of Algarve, were transferred to a controlled-environment cabinet with day/night temperatures set at 25/18°C (Reference) or 32/21°C (HT). After 15 days of HT acclimation, some plants were subjected to progressive drought followed by rewatering. The enhancement of temperature alone did not affect water relations and photosynthetic rates (PN) but the stomatal conductance (gs) exhibited a 3-fold increase in comparison with reference plants. The maximum quantum yield of photosystem (PS) II (Fv/Fm), the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII), carotenoid (Car) and anthocyanin content enhanced, whereas the quantum yields of regulated (ΦNPQ) and nonregulated (ΦNO) energy dissipation decreased. Drought combined with HT reduced predawn leaf water potential to values of about -1.3 MPa, which had adverse effects on gas exchange and PSII activity. Values of PN and gs were 71 and 79% lower than those of HT plants. An impairment of photochemical activity was also observed: the decrease in ΦPSII and the increase of ΦNPQ. However, an irreversible photoinhibitory damage had not occurred. Carotenoid and anthocyanin content remained elevated and soluble sugars (SS) increased twice, whereas proline and MDA accumulation was not detected. On the first 24 h after water-stress relief, gs, PN, ΦPSII, and ΦNPQ did not recover, but SS returned to the reference level. Overall, T. major acquired an adequate capacity for a protection against the development of oxidative stress during drought and water recovery under HT. These findings suggest that T. major is prepared to deal with predicted climate changes., M. L. Osório, J. Osório, A. Romano., and Obsahuje bibliografii
In lichens, ribitol is known as a carbon storage compound, an osmotic agens involved effectively in cell compartments protection during dehydration of lichen thalli and as a cryoprotective compound. In our study, we investigated the effect of ribitol on photochemical processes of photosynthesis in foliose lichens [Lasallia pustulata (L.) Mérat., Umbilicaria hirsuta (Sw. ex Westr.) Hoffm.] at low temperature. The effects of three concentrations of ribitol, added externally to thalli segments on several chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters, were evaluated. The 72 h exposition to 8, 16, and 26 mM ribitol led to a concentration-dependent increase in FV/FM, decrease in non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) but no change in quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry (ΦPSII) values at -5 °C). At higher temperature (0, +5 °C), no effect of ribitol addition on the photosynthetic parameters was apparent. and J. Hájek, P. Váczi, M. Barták.