Light into life: delayed fluorescence as a probe of primary processes in photosynthesis

Thesis/Dissertation · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:6378450

McCauley, S W

Several interrelated problems in photosynthesis are studied with prompt and delayed fluorescence. In one study, bundle sheath cells enriched in photosystem were used as samples. By using far red light and electron transport inhibitors, delayed fluorescence is confirmed as a photosystem II product. Results may also indicate that there is no photosystem II in maize bundle sheath cells. It is shown that although photosystem I produces no delayed fluorescence, preillumination with far red light can affect the delayed fluorescence produced by a later blue flash. This effect is altered by agents that affect cyclic electron transport. The delayed fluorescence produced by microsecond flash increases linearly with flash strength, but an enhancement of the delayed fluorescence produced by a preilluminating flash can increase as the square of the flash strength. This enhancement effect saturates at a lower light level than the delayed fluorescence from the preilluminating flash itself does. Results suggest that there are two subpopulations of photosystem II centers, with different optical cross sections and delayed fluorescence yields.

• OSTI ID: 6378450
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140505* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photochemical
Photobiological
& Thermochemical Conversion-- (1980-)
CEREALS
CHARGE EXCHANGE
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
FLUORESCENCE
GRAMINEAE
GRASS
INHIBITION
LUMINESCENCE
MAIZE
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PHOTOCHEMISTRY
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
PLANT CELLS
PLANTS
SYNTHESIS