Photosynthetic regulation under fluctuating light in young and mature leaves of the CAM plant Bryophyllum pinnatum

Fluctuating light induces a significant photoinhibition of photosystem I in maize

In nature, light intensity usually fluctuates and a sudden shade-sun transition can induce photodamage to photosystem I (PSI) in many angiosperms. Photosynthetic regulation in fluctuating light (FL) has been studied extensively in C3 plants; however, little is known about how C4 plants cope FL to prevent PSI photoinhibition. We here compared photosynthetic responses to FL between maize (Zea mays, C4) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, C3) grown under full sunlight. Maize leaves had significantly higher cyclic electron flow (CEF) activity and lower photorespiration activity than tomato. Upon a sudden shade-sun transition, maize showed a significant stronger transient PSI over-reduction than tomato, resulting in a significant greater PSI photoinhibition in maize after FL treatment. During the first seconds upon shade-sun transition, CEF was stimulated in maize at a much higher extent than tomato, favoring the rapid formation of trans-thylakoid proton gradient (ΔpH), which was helped by a transient down-regulation of chloroplast ATP synthase activity. Therefore, modulation of ΔpH by regulation of CEF and chloroplast ATP synthase adjusted PSI redox state at donor side, which partially compensated for the deficiency of photorespiration. We propose that C4 plants use different photosynthetic strategies for coping with FL as compared with C3 plants.

Drought stress delays photosynthetic induction and accelerates photoinhibition under short-term fluctuating light in tomato

Fluctuating light (FL) and drought stress usually occur concomitantly. However, whether drought stress affects photosynthetic performance under FL remains unknown. Here, we measured gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and P700 redox state under FL in drought-stressed tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seedlings. Drought stress significantly delayed the induction kinetics of stomatal and mesophyll conductances after transition from low to high light and thus delayed photosynthetic induction under FL. Therefore, drought stress exacerbated the loss of carbon gain under FL. Furthermore, restriction of CO₂ fixation under drought stress aggravated the over-reduction of photosystem I (PSI) upon transition from low to high light. The resulting stronger FL-induced PSI photoinhibition significantly suppressed linear electron flow and PSI photoprotection. These results indicated that drought stress not only caused a larger loss of carbon gain under FL but also accelerated FL-induced photoinhibition of PSI. Furthermore, drought stress enhanced relative cyclic electron flow in FL, which partially compensated for restricted CO₂ fixation and thus favored PSI photoprotection under FL. To our knowledge, we here show new insight into how drought stress affects photosynthetic performance under FL.

Photoinhibition of Photosystem I Induced by Different Intensities of Fluctuating Light Is Determined by the Kinetics of ∆pH Formation Rather Than Linear Electron Flow

Fluctuating light (FL) can cause the selective photoinhibition of photosystem I (PSI) in angiosperms. In nature, leaves usually experience FL conditions with the same low light and different high light intensities, but the effects of different FL conditions on PSI redox state and PSI photoinhibition are not well known. In this study, we found that PSI was highly reduced within the first 10 s after transition from 59 to 1809 μmol photons m^-2 s^-1 in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). However, such transient PSI over-reduction was not observed by transitioning from 59 to 501 or 923 μmol photons m^-2 s^-1. Consequently, FL (59-1809) induced a significantly stronger PSI photoinhibition than FL (59-501) and FL (59-923). Compared with the proton gradient (∆pH) level after transition to high light for 60 s, tomato leaves almost formed a sufficient ∆pH after light transition for 10 s in FL (59-501) but did not in FL (59-923) or FL (59-1809). The difference in ∆pH between 10 s and 60 s was tightly correlated to the extent of PSI over-reduction and PSI photoinhibition induced by FL. Furthermore, the difference in PSI photoinhibition between (59-923) and FL (59-1809) was accompanied by the same level of linear electron flow. Therefore, PSI photoinhibition induced by different intensities of FL is more related to the kinetics of ∆pH formation rather than linear electron flow.

Molecular Regulation and Evolution of Redox Homeostasis in Photosynthetic Machinery

The recent advances in plant biology have significantly improved our understanding of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as signaling molecules in the redox regulation of complex cellular processes. In plants, free radicals and non-radicals are prevalent intra- and inter-cellular ROS, catalyzing complex metabolic processes such as photosynthesis. Photosynthesis homeostasis is maintained by thiol-based systems and antioxidative enzymes, which belong to some of the evolutionarily conserved protein families. The molecular and biological functions of redox regulation in photosynthesis are usually to balance the electron transport chain, photosystem II, photosystem I, mesophyll and bundle sheath signaling, and photo-protection regulating plant growth and productivity. Here, we review the recent progress of ROS signaling in photosynthesis. We present a comprehensive comparative bioinformatic analysis of redox regulation in evolutionary distinct photosynthetic cells. Gene expression, phylogenies, sequence alignments, and 3D protein structures in representative algal and plant species revealed conserved key features including functional domains catalyzing oxidation and reduction reactions. We then discuss the antioxidant-related ROS signaling and important pathways for achieving homeostasis of photosynthesis. Finally, we highlight the importance of plant responses to stress cues and genetic manipulation of disturbed redox status for balanced and enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and plant productivity.

Exogenous melatonin strongly affects dynamic photosynthesis and enhances water-water cycle in tobacco

Melatonin (MT), an important phytohormone synthesized naturally, was recently used to improve plant resistance against abiotic and biotic stresses. However, the effects of exogenous melatonin on photosynthetic performances have not yet been well clarified. We found that spraying of exogenous melatonin (100 μM) to leaves slightly affected the steady state values of CO₂ assimilation rate (A _N ), stomatal conductance (g _s ) and mesophyll conductance (g _m ) under high light in tobacco leaves. However, this exogenous melatonin strongly delayed the induction kinetics of g _s and g _m , leading to the slower induction speed of A _N . During photosynthetic induction, A _N is mainly limited by biochemistry in the absence of exogenous melatonin, but by CO₂ diffusion conductance in the presence of exogenous melatonin. Therefore, exogenous melatonin can aggravate photosynthetic carbon loss during photosynthetic induction and should be used with care for crop plants grown under natural fluctuating light. Within the first 10 min after transition from low to high light, photosynthetic electron transport rates (ETR) for A _N and photorespiration were suppressed in the presence of exogenous melatonin. Meanwhile, an important alternative electron sink, namely water-water cycle, was enhanced to dissipate excess light energy. These results indicate that exogenous melatonin upregulates water-water cycle to facilitate photoprotection. Taking together, this study is the first to demonstrate that exogenous melatonin inhibits dynamic photosynthesis and improves photoprotection in higher plants.

Regulation of Chloroplast ATP Synthase Modulates Photoprotection in the CAM Plant Vanilla planifolia

Generally, regulation of cyclic electron flow (CEF) and chloroplast ATP synthase play key roles in photoprotection for photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII) in C3 and C4 plants, especially when CO₂ assimilation is restricted. However, how CAM plants protect PSI and PSII when CO₂ assimilation is restricted is largely known. In the present study, we measured PSI, PSII, and electrochromic shift signals in the CAM plant Vanilla planifolia. The quantum yields of PSI and PSII photochemistry largely decreased in the afternoon compared to in the morning, indicating that CO₂ assimilation was strongly restricted in the afternoon. Meanwhile, non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) in PSII and the donor side limitation of PSI (Y(ND)) significantly increased to protect PSI and PSII. Under such conditions, proton gradient (∆pH) across the thylakoid membranes largely increased and CEF was slightly stimulated, indicating that the increased ∆pH was not caused by the regulation of CEF. In contrast, the activity of chloroplast ATP synthase (g_H⁺) largely decreased in the afternoon. At a given proton flux, the decreasing g_H⁺ increased ∆pH and thus contributed to the enhancement of NPQ and Y(ND). Therefore, in the CAM plant V. planifolia, the ∆pH-dependent photoprotective mechanism is mainly regulated by the regulation of g_H⁺ rather than CEF when CO₂ assimilation is restricted.

Photosynthesis under fluctuating light in the CAM plant Vanilla planifolia

Photosynthetic induction after a sudden increase in illumination affects carbon gain. Photosynthetic dynamics under fluctuating light (FL) have been widely investigated in C3 and C4 plants but are little known in CAM plants. In our present study, the chlorophyll fluorescence, P700 redox state and electrochromic shift signals were measured to examine photosynthetic characteristics under FL in the CAM orchid Vanilla planifolia. The light use efficiency was maximized in the morning but was restricted in the afternoon, indicating that the pool of malic acid dried down in the afternoon. During photosynthetic induction in the morning, electron flow through photosystem I rapidly reached the 95% of the maximum value in 4-6 min, indicating that V. planifolia showed a fast photosynthetic induction when compared with C3 and C4 plants reported previously. Upon a sudden transition from dark to actinic light, a rapid re-oxidation of P700 was observed in V. planifolia, indicating the fast outflow of electrons from PSI to alternative electron acceptors, which was attributed to the O₂ photo-reduction mediated by water-water cycle. The functioning of water-water cycle prevented photosystem I over-reduction after transitioning from low to high light and thus protected PSI under FL. In the afternoon, cyclic electron flow was stimulated under FL to fine-tune photosynthetic apparatus when photosynthetic CO₂ was restricted. Therefore, water-water cycle cooperates with cyclic electron flow to regulate the photosynthesis under FL in the CAM orchid V. planifolia.

Differential Response of the Photosynthetic Machinery to Fluctuating Light in Mature and Young Leaves of Dendrobium officinale

A key component of photosynthetic electron transport chain, photosystem I (PSI), is susceptible to the fluctuating light (FL) in angiosperms. Cyclic electron flow (CEF) around PSI and water-water cycle (WWC) are both used by the epiphytic orchid Dendrobium officinale to protect PSI under FL. This study examined whether the ontogenetic stage of leaf has an impact on the photoprotective mechanisms dealing with FL. Thus, chlorophyll fluorescence and P700 signals under FL were measured in D. officinale young and mature leaves. Upon transition from dark to actinic light, a rapid re-oxidation of P700 was observed in mature leaves but disappeared in young leaves, indicating that WWC existed in mature leaves but was lacking in young leaves. After shifting from low to high light, PSI over-reduction was clearly missing in mature leaves. By comparison, young leaves showed a transient PSI over-reduction within the first 30 s, which was accompanied with highly activation of CEF. Therefore, the effect of FL on PSI redox state depends on the leaf ontogenetic stage. In mature leaves, WWC is employed to avoid PSI over-reduction. In young leaves, CEF around PSI is enhanced to compensate for the lack of WWC and thus to prevent an uncontrolled PSI over-reduction induced by FL.

Regulation of Leaf Angle Protects Photosystem I under Fluctuating Light in Tobacco Young Leaves

Fluctuating light is a typical light condition in nature and can cause selective photodamage to photosystem I (PSI). The sensitivity of PSI to fluctuating light is influenced by the amplitude of low/high light intensity. Tobacco mature leaves are tended to be horizontal to maximize the light absorption and photosynthesis, but young leaves are usually vertical to diminish the light absorption. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that such regulation of the leaf angle in young leaves might protect PSI against photoinhibition under fluctuating light. We found that, upon a sudden increase in illumination, PSI was over-reduced in extreme young leaves but was oxidized in mature leaves. After fluctuating light treatment, such PSI over-reduction aggravated PSI photoinhibition in young leaves. Furthermore, the leaf angle was tightly correlated to the extent of PSI photoinhibition induced by fluctuating light. Therefore, vertical young leaves are more susceptible to PSI photoinhibition than horizontal mature leaves when exposed to the same fluctuating light. In young leaves, the vertical leaf angle decreased the light absorption and thus lowered the amplitude of low/high light intensity. Therefore, the regulation of the leaf angle was found for the first time as an important strategy used by young leaves to protect PSI against photoinhibition under fluctuating light. To our knowledge, we show here new insight into the photoprotection for PSI under fluctuating light in nature.

Photorespiration Alleviates Photoinhibition of Photosystem I under Fluctuating Light in Tomato

Fluctuating light (FL) is a typical natural light stress that can cause photodamage to photosystem I (PSI). However, the effect of growth light on FL-induced PSI photoinhibition remains controversial. Plants grown under high light enhance photorespiration to sustain photosynthesis, but the contribution of photorespiration to PSI photoprotection under FL is largely unknown. In this study, we examined the photosynthetic performance under FL in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) plants grown under high light (HL-plants) and moderate light (ML-plants). After an abrupt increase in illumination, the over-reduction of PSI was lowered in HL-plants, resulting in a lower FL-induced PSI photoinhibition. HL-plants displayed higher capacities for CO2 fixation and photorespiration than ML-plants. Within the first 60 s after transition from low to high light, PSII electron transport was much higher in HL-plants, but the gross CO2 assimilation rate showed no significant difference between them. Therefore, upon a sudden increase in illumination, the difference in PSII electron transport between HL- and ML-plants was not attributed to the Calvin–Benson cycle but was caused by the change in photorespiration. These results indicated that the higher photorespiration in HL-plants enhanced the PSI electron sink downstream under FL, which mitigated the over-reduction of PSI and thus alleviated PSI photoinhibition under FL. Taking together, we here for the first time propose that photorespiration acts as a safety valve for PSI photoprotection under FL.

Diurnal Response of Photosystem I to Fluctuating Light Is Affected by Stomatal Conductance

Upon a sudden transition from low to high light, electrons transported from photosystem II (PSII) to PSI should be rapidly consumed by downstream sinks to avoid the over-reduction of PSI. However, the over-reduction of PSI under fluctuating light might be accelerated if primary metabolism is restricted by low stomatal conductance. To test this hypothesis, we measured the effect of diurnal changes in stomatal conductance on photosynthetic regulation under fluctuating light in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and common mulberry (Morus alba). Under conditions of high stomatal conductance, we observed PSI over-reduction within the first 10 s after transition from low to high light. Lower stomatal conductance limited the activity of the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle and aggravated PSI over-reduction within 10 s after the light transition. We also observed PSI over-reduction after transition from low to high light for 30 s at the low stomatal conductance typical of the late afternoon, indicating that low stomatal conductance extends the period of PSI over-reduction under fluctuating light. Therefore, diurnal changes in stomatal conductance significantly affect the PSI redox state under fluctuating light. Moreover, our analysis revealed an unexpected inhibition of cyclic electron flow by the severe over-reduction of PSI seen at low stomatal conductance. In conclusion, stomatal conductance can have a large effect on thylakoid reactions under fluctuating light.

Roles of alternative electron flows in response to excess light in Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba L., the only surviving species of Ginkgoopsida, is a famous relict gymnosperm, it may provide new insight into the evolution of photosynthetic mechanisms. Flavodiiron proteins (FDPs) are conserved in nonflowering plants, but the role of FDPs in gymnosperms has not yet been clarified. In particular, how gymnosperms integrate FDPs and cyclic electron transport (CET) to better adapt to excess light is poorly understood. To elucidate these questions, we measured the P700 signal, chlorophyll fluorescence and electrochromic shift signal under fluctuating and constant light in G. biloba. Within the first seconds after light increased, G. biloba could not build up a sufficient proton gradient (ΔpH). Concomitantly, photo-reduction of O₂ mediated by FDPs contributed to the rapid oxidation of P700 and protected PSI under fluctuating light. Therefore, in G. biloba, FDPs mainly protect PSI under fluctuating light at acceptor side. Under constant high light, the oxidation of PSI and the induction of non-photochemical quenching were attributed to the increase in ΔpH formation, which was mainly caused by the increase in CET rather than linear electron transport. Therefore, under constant light, CET finely regulates the PSI redox state and non-photochemical quenching through ΔpH formation, protecting PSI and PSII against excess light. We conclude that, in G. biloba, FDPs are particularly important under fluctuating light while CET is essential under constant high light. The coordination of FDPs and CET fine-tune photosynthetic apparatus under excess light.

Pre-illumination at high light significantly alleviates the over-reduction of photosystem I under fluctuating light

Photosystem I (PSI) is the primary target of photoinhibition under fluctuating light (FL). In angiosperms, cyclic electron flow (CEF) around PSI is thought to be the main player protecting PSI under FL. The activation of CEF is linked to the thylakoid stacking, which is in turn affected by light intensity. However, it is unknown how pre-illumination affects the CEF activation and PSI redox state under FL. To address this question, we conducted a spectroscopic analysis under FL in Bletilla striata and Morus alba after pre-illumination at moderate light (ML, 611 μmol photons m^-2 s^-1) or high light (HL, 1455 μmol photons m^-2 s^-1). Our results indicated that both species displayed a transient over-reduction of PSI after a transition from low to high light, but the extent of PSI over-reduction under FL was largely alleviated by pre-illumination at HL when compared with pre-illumination under ML. Furthermore, pre-illumination at HL accelerated the activation rate of CEF but did not affect the activation of non-photochemical quenching and linear electron flow from photosystem II under FL. Therefore, such increased CEF activity by pre-illumination under HL alleviated PSI over-reduction under FL by facilitating the electron sink downstream of PSI. Taking together, pre-illumination at HL protects PSI under FL through acceptor-side regulation.

Elevated CO2 Concentration Alters Photosynthetic Performances under Fluctuating Light in Arabidopsis thaliana

In view of the current and expected future rise in atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, we examined the effect of elevated CO₂ on photoinhibition of photosystem I (PSI) under fluctuating light in Arabidopsis thaliana. At 400 ppm CO₂, PSI showed a transient over-reduction within the first 30 s after transition from dark to actinic light. Under the same CO₂ conditions, PSI was highly reduced after a transition from low to high light for 20 s. However, such PSI over-reduction greatly decreased when measured in 800 ppm CO₂, indicating that elevated atmospheric CO₂ facilitates the rapid oxidation of PSI under fluctuating light. Furthermore, after fluctuating light treatment, residual PSI activity was significantly higher in 800 ppm CO₂ than in 400 ppm CO₂, suggesting that elevated atmospheric CO₂ mitigates PSI photoinhibition under fluctuating light. We further demonstrate that elevated CO₂ does not affect PSI activity under fluctuating light via changes in non-photochemical quenching or cyclic electron transport, but rather from a rapid electron sink driven by CO₂ fixation. Therefore, elevated CO₂ mitigates PSI photoinhibition under fluctuating light at the acceptor rather than the donor side. Taken together, these observations indicate that elevated atmospheric CO₂ can have large effects on thylakoid reactions under fluctuating light.

Different Strategies for Photosynthetic Regulation under Fluctuating Light in Two Sympatric Paphiopedilum Species

Fluctuating light can cause selective photoinhibition of photosystem I (PSI) in angiosperms. Cyclic electron flow (CEF) around PSI and electron flux from water via the electron transport chain to oxygen (the water-water cycle) play important roles in coping with fluctuating light in angiosperms. However, it is unclear whether plant species in the same genus employ the same strategy to cope with fluctuating light. To answer this question, we measured P700 redox kinetics and chlorophyll fluorescence under fluctuating light in two Paphiopedilum (P.) Pftzer (Orchidaceae) species, P. dianthum and P. micranthum. After transition from dark to high light, P. dianthum displayed a rapid re-oxidation of P700, while P. micranthum displayed an over-reduction of P700. Furthermore, the rapid re-oxidation of P700 in P. dianthum was not observed when measured under anaerobic conditions. These results indicated that photo-reduction of O₂ mediated by the water-water cycle was functional in P. dianthum but not in P. micranthum. Within the first few seconds after an abrupt transition from low to high light, PSI was highly oxidized in P. dianthum but was highly reduced in P. micranthum, indicating that the different responses of PSI to fluctuating light between P. micranthum and P. dianthum was attributed to the water-water cycle. In P. micranthum, the lack of the water-water cycle was partially compensated for by an enhancement of CEF. Taken together, P. dianthum and P. micranthum employed different strategies to cope with the abrupt change of light intensity, indicating the diversity of strategies for photosynthetic acclimation to fluctuating light in these two closely related orchid species.

Photosynthetic regulation under fluctuating light at chilling temperature in evergreen and deciduous tree species

Plants usually experience fluctuating light conditions at chilling temperatures during the autumn season. We hypothesized that photosystem I (PSI) and PSII are more susceptible to photoinhibition under fluctuating light at chilling temperatures in deciduous species relative to evergreen species. We measured the photosynthetic performances under fluctuating light at 6 °C in two evergreen and two deciduous broadleaf tree species. Within the first 10 s after light increased at 6 °C, none of these species could generate an enough trans-thylakoid proton gradient. Meanwhile, PSI was highly oxidised in evergreen species but was highly reduced in deciduous species. This transient over-reduction of PSI in deciduous species was mainly caused by the higher electron flow from PSII. Furthermore, the deciduous species showed a significantly smaller violaxanthin pool and lower non-photochemical quenching under high light conditions at 6 °C, leading to more excess light energy could not be dissipated in PSII. Hence, we propose that fluctuating light combined with chilling temperature cause the over-reduction of photosynthetic electron chain in deciduous species.

The water-water cycle is not a major alternative sink in fluctuating light at chilling temperature

The water-water cycle (WWC) has the potential to alleviate photoinhibition of photosystem I (PSI) in fluctuating light (FL) at room temperature and moderate heat stress. However, it is unclear whether WWC can function as a safety valve for PSI in FL at chilling temperature. In this study, we measured P700 redox state and chlorophyll fluorescence in FL at 25 °C and 4 °C in the high WWC activity plant Dendrobium officinale. At 25 °C, the operation of WWC contributed to the rapid re-oxidation of P700 upon dark-to-light transition. However, such rapid re-oxidation of P700 was not observed at 4 °C. Upon a sudden increase in light intensity, WWC rapidly consumed excess electrons in PSI and thus avoided an over-reduction of PSI at 25 °C. On the contrary, PSI was highly reduced within the first seconds after transition from low to high light at 4 °C. Therefore, in opposite to 25 °C, the WWC is not a major alternative sink in FL at chilling temperature. Upon transition from low to high light, cyclic electron transport was highly stimulated at 4 °C when compared with 25 °C. These results indicate that D. officinale enhances cyclic electron transport to partially compensate for the inactivation of WWC in FL at 4 °C.

Coordination of Cyclic Electron Flow and Water-Water Cycle Facilitates Photoprotection under Fluctuating Light and Temperature Stress in the Epiphytic Orchid Dendrobium officinale

Photosystem I (PSI) is the primary target of photoinhibition under fluctuating light (FL). Photosynthetic organisms employ alternative electron flows to protect PSI under FL. However, the understanding of the coordination of alternative electron flows under FL at temperature stresses is limited. To address this question, we measured the chlorophyll fluorescence, P700 redox state, and electrochromic shift signal in leaves of Dendrobium officinale exposed to FL at 42 °C, 25 °C, and 4 °C. Upon a sudden increase in illumination at 42 °C and 25 °C, the water-water cycle (WWC) consumed a significant fraction of the extra reducing power, and thus avoided an over-reduction of PSI. However, WWC was inactivated at 4 °C, leading to an over-reduction of PSI within the first seconds after light increased. Therefore, the role of WWC under FL is largely dependent on temperature conditions. After an abrupt increase in light intensity, cyclic electron flow (CEF) around PSI was stimulated at any temperature. Therefore, CEF and WWC showed different temperature responses under FL. Furthermore, the enhancement of CEF and WWC at 42 °C quickly generated a sufficient trans-thylakoid proton gradient (ΔpH). The inactivation of WWC at 4 °C was partially compensated for by an increased CEF activity. These findings indicate that CEF and WWC coordinate to protect PSI under FL at temperature stresses.

Photosystem I is tolerant to fluctuating light under moderate heat stress in two orchids Dendrobium officinale and Bletilla striata

Under natural field conditions, plants usually experience fluctuating light (FL) under moderate heat stress in summer. However, responses of photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII) to such combined stresses are not well known. Furthermore, the role of water-water cycle (WWC) in photoprotection in FL under moderate heat stress is poorly understood. In this study, we examined chlorophyll fluorescence and P700 redox state in FL at 42 °C in two orchids, Dendrobium officinale (with high WWC activity) and Bletilla striata (with low WWC activity). After FL treatment at 42 °C, PSI activity maintained stable while PSII activity decreased significantly in these two orchids. In D. officinale, the WWC could rapidly consume the excess excitation energy in PSI and thus avoided an over-reduction of PSI upon any increase in illumination. Therefore, in D. officinale, WWC likely protected PSI in FL at 42 °C. In B. striata, heat-induced PSII photoinhibition down-regulated electron flow from PSII and thus prevented an over-reduction of PSI after transition from low to high light. Consequently, in B. striata moderate PSII photoinhibition could protected PSI in FL at 42 °C. We conclude that, in addition to cyclic electron flow, WWC and PSII photoinhibition-repair cycle are two important strategies for preventing PSI photoinhibition in FL under moderate heat stress.

Moderate heat stress accelerates photoinhibition of photosystem I under fluctuating light in tobacco young leaves

Moderate heat stress and fluctuating light are typical conditions in summer in tropical and subtropical regions. This type of stress can cause photodamage to photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII). However, photosynthetic responses to the combination of heat and fluctuating light in young leaves are little known. In this study, we investigated chlorophyll fluorescence and P700 redox state under fluctuating light at 25 °C and 42 °C in young leaves of tobacco. Our results indicated that fluctuating light caused selective photodamage to PSI in the young leaves at 25 °C and 42 °C. Furthermore, the moderate heat stress significantly accelerated photoinhibition of PSI under fluctuating light. Within the first 10 s after transition from low to high light, cyclic electron flow (CEF) around PSI was highly stimulated at 25 °C but was slightly activated at 42 °C. Such depression of CEF activation at moderate heat stress were unable to maintain energy balance under high light. As a result, electron flow from PSI to NADP+ was restricted, leading to the over-reduction of PSI electron carriers. These results indicated that moderate heat stress altered the CEF performance under fluctuating light and thus accelerated PSI photoinhibition in tobacco young leaves.

The water-water cycle is more effective in regulating redox state of photosystem I under fluctuating light than cyclic electron transport

Photosynthetic electron flux from water via photosystem II (PSII) and PSI to oxygen (water-water cycle) may act as an alternative electron sink under fluctuating light in angiosperms. We measured the P700 redox kinetics and electrochromic shift signal under fluctuating light in 11 Camellia species and tobacco leaves. Upon dark-to-light transition, these Camellia species showed rapid re-oxidation of P700. However, this rapid re-oxidation of P700 was not observed when measured under anaerobic conditions, as was in experiment with tobacco performed under aerobic conditions. Therefore, photo-reduction of O₂ mediated by water-water cycle was functional in these Camellia species but not in tobacco. Within the first 10 s after transition from low to high light, PSI was highly oxidized in these Camellia species but was over-reduced in tobacco leaves. Furthermore, such rapid oxidation of PSI in these Camellia species was independent of the formation of trans-thylakoid proton gradient (ΔpH). These results indicated that in addition to ΔpH-dependent photosynthetic control, the water-water cycle can protect PSI against photoinhibition under fluctuating light in these Camellia species. We here propose that the water-water cycle is an overlooked strategy for photosynthetic regulation under fluctuating light in angiosperms.

The decline in photosynthetic rate upon transfer from high to low light is linked to the slow kinetics of chloroplast ATP synthase in Bletilla striata

Upon a sudden transition from high to low light, the rate of CO₂ assimilation (A_N) in some plants first decreases to a low level before gradually becoming stable. However, the underlying mechanisms remain controversial. The activity of chloroplast ATP synthase (g_H⁺) is usually depressed under high light when compared with low light. Therefore, we hypothesize that upon a sudden transfer from high to low light, the relatively low g_H⁺ restricts ATP synthesis and thus causes a reduction in A_N. To test this hypothesis, we measured gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, P700 redox state, and electrochromic shift signals in Bletilla striata (Orchidaceae). After the transition from saturating to lower irradiance, A_N and ETRII decreased first to a low level and then gradually increased to a stable value. Within the first seconds after transfer from high to low light, g_H⁺ was maintained at low levels. During further exposure to low light, g_H⁺ gradually increased to a stable value. Interestingly, a tight positive relationship was found between g_H⁺ and ETRII. These results suggested that upon a sudden transition from high to low light, A_N was restricted by g_H⁺ at the step of ATP synthesis. Taken together, we propose that the decline in A_N upon sudden transfer from high to low light is linked to the slow kinetics of chloroplast ATP synthase.

Responses of photosystem I compared with photosystem II to combination of heat stress and fluctuating light in tobacco leaves

Moderate heat stress is usually accompanied with fluctuating light in summer. Although either heat stress or fluctuating light can cause photoinhibition of photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII), it is unclear whether moderate heat stress accelerate photoinhibition under fluctuating light. Here, we measured chlorophyll fluorescence, P700 redox state and the electrochromic shift signal under fluctuating light at 25 °C and 42 °C for tobacco leaves. We found that (1) the thylakoid proton conductance was significantly enhanced at 42 °C, leading to a decline in trans-thylakoid proton gradient (ΔpH); (2) this low ΔpH at 42 °C did not decrease donor-side limitation of PSI and thermal energy dissipation in PSII; (3) the activation of cyclic electron flow (CEF) around PSI was elevated at 42 °C; and (4) the moderate heat stress did not accelerate photoinhibition of PSI and PSII under fluctuating light. These results strongly indicate that under moderate heat stress the stimulation of CEF protects PSI under fluctuating light in tobacco leaves.

Decreased photosystem II activity facilitates acclimation to fluctuating light in the understory plant Paris polyphylla

In forests, understory plants are usually exposed to sunflecks on timescales of seconds or minutes. However, it is unclear how understory plants acclimate to fluctuating light. In this study, we compared chlorophyll fluorescence, PSI redox state and the electrochromic shift signal under fluctuating light between an understory plant Paris polyphylla (Liliaceae) and a light-demanding plant Bletilla striata (Orchidaceae). Within the first seconds after transition from low to high light, PSI was highly oxidized in P. polyphylla but was highly reduced in B. striata, although both species could not generate a sufficient trans-thylakoid proton gradient (ΔpH). Furthermore, the outflow of electrons from PSI to O₂ was not significant in P. polyphylla, as indicated by the P700 redox kinetics upon dark-to-light transition. Therefore, the different responses of PSI to fluctuating light between P. polyphylla and B. striata could not be explained by ΔpH formation or alternative electron transport. In contrast, upon a sudden transition from low to high light, electron flow from PSII was much lower in P. polyphylla than in B. striata, suggesting that the rapid oxidation of PSI in P. polyphylla was largely attributed to the lower PSII activity. We propose, for the first time, that down-regulation of PSII activity is an important strategy used by some understory angiosperms to cope with sunflecks.

Photorespiration is the major alternative electron sink under high light in alpine evergreen sclerophyllous Rhododendron species

Owing to the high leaf mass per area, alpine evergreen sclerophyllous Rhododendron have low values of mesophyll conductance (g_m). The resulting low chloroplast CO₂ concentration aggravates photorespiration, which requires a higher ATP/NADPH ratio. However, the significance of photorespiration and underlying mechanisms of energy balance in these species are little known. In this study, eight alpine evergreen sclerophyllous Rhododendron species grown in a common garden were tested for their g_m, electron flow to photorespiration, and energy balancing. Under saturating light, g_m was the most limiting factor for net photosynthesis (A_N) in all species, and the species differences in A_N were primarily driven by g_m rather than stomatal conductance. The total electron flow through photosystem II (ETRII) nearly equaled the electron transport required for Rubisco carboxylation and oxygenation. Furthermore, blocking electron flow to photosystem I with appropriate inhibitors showed that electron flow to plastic terminal oxidase was not observed. As a result, these studied species showed little alternative electron flow mediated by water-water cycle or plastic terminal oxidase. By comparison, the ratio of electron transport consumed by photorespiration to ETRII (J_PR/ETRII), ranging from 43%∼55%, was negatively correlated to A_N and g_m. Furthermore, the increased ATP production required by enhanced photorespiration was regulated by cyclic electron flow around photosystem I. These results indicate that photorespiration is the major electron sink for dissipation of excess excitation energy in the alpine evergreen sclerophyllous Rhododendron species. The coordination of g_m, photorespiration and cyclic electron flow is important for sustaining leaf photosynthesis.

Photosynthetic regulation under fluctuating light in field-grown Cerasus cerasoides: A comparison of young and mature leaves

Photosystem I (PSI) is a potential target of photoinhibition under fluctuating light. However, photosynthetic regulation under fluctuating light in field-grown plants is little known. Furthermore, it is unclear how young leaves protect PSI against fluctuating light under natural field conditions. In the present study, we examined chlorophyll fluorescence, P700 redox state and the electrochromic shift signal in the young and mature leaves of field-grown Cerasus cerasoides (Rosaceae). Within the first seconds after any increase in light intensity, young leaves showed higher proton gradient (ΔpH) across the thylakoid membranes than the mature leaves, preventing over-reduction of PSI in the young leaves. As a result, PSI was more tolerant to fluctuating light in the young leaves than in the mature leaves. Interestingly, after transition from low to high light, the activity of cyclic electron flow (CEF) in young leaves increased first to a high level and then decreased to a stable value, while this rapid stimulation of CEF was not observed in the mature leaves. Furthermore, the over-reduction of PSI significantly stimulated CEF in the young leaves but not in the mature leaves. Taken together, within the first seconds after any increase in illumination, the stimulation of CEF favors the rapid lumen acidification and optimizes the PSI redox state in the young leaves, protecting PSI against photoinhibition under fluctuating light in field-grown plants.