A zeaxanthin-independent nonphotochemical quenching mechanism localized in the photosystem II core complex

Tailoring confocal microscopy for real-time analysis of photosynthesis at single-cell resolution

Photoautotrophs' environmental responses have been extensively studied at the organism and ecosystem level. However, less is known about their photosynthesis at the single-cell level. This information is needed to understand photosynthetic acclimation processes, as light changes as it penetrates cells, layers of cells, or organs. Furthermore, cells within the same tissue may behave differently, being at different developmental/physiological stages. Here, we describe an approach for single-cell and subcellular photophysiology based on the customization of confocal microscopy to assess chlorophyll fluorescence quenching by the saturation pulse method. We exploit this setup to (1) reassess the specialization of photosynthetic activities in developing tissues of non-vascular plants; (2) identify a specific subpopulation of phytoplankton cells in marine photosymbiosis, which consolidate energetic connections with their hosts; and (3) examine the link between light penetration and photoprotection responses inside the different tissues that constitute a plant leaf anatomy.

Harnessing the Role of Foliar Applied Salicylic Acid in Decreasing Chlorophyll Content to Reassess Photosystem II Photoprotection in Crop Plants

Salicylic acid (SA), an essential plant hormone, has received much attention due to its role in modulating the adverse effects of biotic and abiotic stresses, acting as an antioxidant and plant growth regulator. However, its role in photosynthesis under non stress conditions is controversial. By chlorophyll fluorescence imaging analysis, we evaluated the consequences of foliar applied 1 mM SA on photosystem II (PSII) efficiency of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants and estimated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Tomato leaves sprayed with 1 mM SA displayed lower chlorophyll content, but the absorbed light energy was preferentially converted into photochemical energy rather than dissipated as thermal energy by non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), indicating photoprotective effects provided by the foliar applied SA. This decreased NPQ, after 72 h treatment by 1 mM SA, resulted in an increased electron transport rate (ETR). The molecular mechanism by which the absorbed light energy was more efficiently directed to photochemistry in the SA treated leaves was the increased fraction of the open PSII reaction centers (qp), and the increased efficiency of open reaction centers (Fv’/Fm’). SA induced a decrease in chlorophyll content, resulting in a decrease in non-regulated energy dissipated in PSII (Φ_NO) under high light (HL) treatment, suggesting a lower amount of triplet excited state chlorophyll (³Chl*) molecules available to produce singlet oxygen (¹O₂). Yet, the increased efficiency, compared to the control, of the oxygen evolving complex (OEC) on the donor side of PSII, associated with lower formation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), also contributed to less creation of ROS. We conclude that under non stress conditions, foliar applied SA decreased chlorophyll content and suppressed phototoxicity, offering PSII photoprotection; thus, it can be regarded as a mechanism that reduces photoinhibition and photodamage, improving PSII efficiency in crop plants.

pH-Dependent Regulation of Electron Flow in Photosystem II by a Histidine Residue at the Stromal Surface

In photosystem II (PSII), the secondary plastoquinone electron acceptor Q_B functions as a substrate that converts into plastoquinol upon its double reduction by electrons abstracted from water. It has been suggested that a histidine residue, D1-H252, which is located at the stromal surface near Q_B, is involved in the pH-dependent regulation of electron flow and proton transfer to Q_B. However, definitive evidence for the involvement of D1-H252 in the Q_B reactions has not been obtained yet. Here, we studied the roles of D1-H252 in PSII using a cyanobacterial mutant, in which D1-H252 was replaced with Ala. Delayed luminescence (DL) measurement upon a single flash showed a faster Q_B^- decay at higher pH in the thylakoids from the wild-type strain due to the downshift of the redox potential of Q_B [E_m(Q_B^-/Q_B)]. This pH dependence of the Q_B^- decay was lost in the D1-H252A mutant. The experimental E_m(Q_B^-/Q_B) changes were well reproduced by the density functional theory calculations for models with different protonation states of D1-H252 and with Ala replaced for H252. It was further shown that the period-four oscillation of the DL intensity by successive flashes was significantly diminished in the D1-H252A mutant, suggesting the inhibition of plastoquinone exchange at the Q_B pocket in this mutant. It is thus concluded that D1-H252 is a key amino acid residue that regulates electron flow in PSII by sensing pH in the stroma and stabilizes the Q_B binding site to facilitate the quinone exchange reaction.

Inhibition of non-photochemical quenching increases functional absorption cross-section of photosystem II as excitation from closed reaction centres is transferred to open centres, facilitating earlier light saturation of photosynthetic electron transport

Induction of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of chlorophyll fluorescence in leaves affords photoprotection to the photosynthetic apparatus when, for whatever reason, photon capture in the antennae of photosystems exceeds their capacity to utilise this excitation in photochemistry and ultimately in CO2 assimilation. Here we augment traditional monitoring of NPQ using the fast time resolution, remote and relatively non-intrusive light induced fluorescence transient (LIFT) technique (Kolber et al . 2005 ; Osmond et al . 2017 ) that allows direct measurement of functional (σ'PSII ) and optical cross-sections (a 'PSII ) of PSII in situ , and calculates the half saturation light intensity for ETR (E k ). These parameters are obtained from the saturation and relaxation phases of fluorescence transients elicited by a sequence of 270, high intensity 1 μs flashlets at controlled time intervals over a period of 30 ms in the QA flash at intervals of a few seconds. We report that although σ'PSII undergoes large transient increases after transfer from dark to strong white light (WL) it declines little in steady-state as NPQ is induced in shade- and sun-grown spinach and Arabidopsis genotypes Col , OEpsbs , pgr 5bkg , stn 7 and stn 7/8. In contrast, σ'PSII increases by ~30% when induction of NPQ in spinach is inhibited by dithiothreitol and by inhibition of NPQ in Arabidopsis npq 1, npq 4 and pgr 5. We propose this increase in σ'PSII arises as some excitation from closed PSII reaction centres is transferred to open centres when excitation partitioning to photochemistry (Y II ) and NPQ (Y NP ) declines, and is indicated by an increased excitation dissipation from closed PSII centres (Y NO , including fluorescence emission). Although E k increases following dissipation of excitation as heat when NPQ is engaged, it declines when NPQ is inhibited. Evidently photochemistry becomes more easily light saturated when excitation is transferred from closed RCIIs to open centres with larger σ'PSII . The NPQ mutant pgr 5 is an exception; E k increases markedly in strong light as electron transport QA → PQ and PQ → PSI accelerate and the PQ pool becomes strongly reduced. These novel in situ observations are discussed in the context of contemporary evidence for functional and structural changes in the photosynthetic apparatus during induction of NPQ.

Ultrafast excitation quenching by the oxidized photosystem II reaction center

Photosystem II (PSII) is the pigment–protein complex driving the photoinduced oxidation of water and reduction of plastoquinone in all oxygenic photosynthetic organisms. Excitations in the antenna chlorophylls are photochemically trapped in the reaction center (RC) producing the chlorophyll–pheophytin radical ion pair P+ Pheo−. When electron donation from water is inhibited, the oxidized RC chlorophyll P+ acts as an excitation quencher, but knowledge on the kinetics of quenching is limited. Here, we used femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy to compare the excitation dynamics of PSII with neutral and oxidized RC (P+). We find that equilibration in the core antenna has a major lifetime of about 300 fs, irrespective of the RC redox state. Two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy revealed additional slower energy equilibration occurring on timescales of 3–5 ps, concurrent with excitation trapping. The kinetics of PSII with open RC can be described well with previously proposed models according to which the radical pair P+ Pheo− is populated with a main lifetime of about 40 ps, which is primarily determined by energy transfer between the core antenna and the RC chlorophylls. Yet, in PSII with oxidized RC (P+), fast excitation quenching was observed with decay lifetimes as short as 3 ps and an average decay lifetime of about 90 ps, which is shorter than the excited-state lifetime of PSII with open RC. The underlying mechanism of this extremely fast quenching prompts further investigation.

Light Quality-Dependent Regulation of Non-Photochemical Quenching in Tomato Plants

Simple Summary

Photosynthetic organisms, such as land plants, evolved to utilize available light and to use its energy to assimilate carbon dioxide and produce carbohydrates. However, the light intensity often exceeds the ability of plants to successfully utilize absorbed energy, thus inducing stress, manifested by an increased radical concentration inside plant cells and disruption of the inner structures, and consequently decreased plant yield. Plants solve this problem by using a mechanism termed non-photochemical quenching, by which they can dissipate the energy not used in photosynthesis. Modern agriculture, however, also involves indoor plant farming. For indoor plant farming LED-based lighting systems, with non-saturating light intensities, are suitable based on their restricted energy consumption. However, the composition of applied light should first be optimized to maximize its utilization. Our study examined the influence of monochromatic LEDs (red, green, and blue) on the photoprotective and photosynthetic properties of tomato plants. We indicate that monochromatic green light could be considered an important component of lighting systems to alleviate energy dissipation, while blue light enhances photosynthetic efficiency. Our study not only proves the crucial importance of spectrum optimization but also provides evidence that different light wavelengths modify photosynthetic and photoprotective properties.

Abstract

Photosynthetic pigments of plants capture light as a source of energy for photosynthesis. However, the amount of energy absorbed often exceeds its utilization, thus causing damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. Plants possess several mechanisms to minimize such risks, including non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), which allows them to dissipate excess excitation energy in the form of harmless heat. However, under non-stressful conditions in indoor farming, it would be favorable to restrict the NPQ activity and increase plant photosynthetic performance by optimizing the light spectrum. Towards this goal, we investigated the dynamics of NPQ, photosynthetic properties, and antioxidant activity in the leaves of tomato plants grown under different light qualities: monochromatic red (R), green (G), or blue (B) light (L) at 80 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and R:G:B = 1:1:1 (referred to as the white light (WL)) at 120 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹. The results confirm that monochromatic BL increased the quantum efficiency of PSII and photosynthetic pigments accumulation. The RL and BL treatments enhanced the NPQ amplitude and showed negative effects on antioxidant enzyme activity. In contrast, plants grown solely under GL or WL presented a lower amplitude of NPQ due to the reduced accumulation of NPQ-related proteins, photosystem II (PSII) subunit S (PsbS), PROTON GRADIENT REGULATION-LIKE1 (PGRL1), cytochrome b₆f subunit f (cytf) and violaxanthin de-epoxidase (VDE). Additionally, we noticed that plants grown under GL or RL presented an increased rate of lipid peroxidation. Overall, our results indicate the potential role of GL in lowering the NPQ amplitude, while the role of BL in the RGB spectrum is to ensure photosynthetic performance and photoprotective properties.

Dissipation of Light Energy Absorbed in Excess: The Molecular Mechanisms

Light is essential for photosynthesis. Nevertheless, its intensity widely changes depending on time of day, weather, season, and localization of individual leaves within canopies. This variability means that light collected by the light-harvesting system is often in excess with respect to photon fluence or spectral quality in the context of the capacity of photosynthetic metabolism to use ATP and reductants produced from the light reactions. Absorption of excess light can lead to increased production of excited, highly reactive intermediates, which expose photosynthetic organisms to serious risks of oxidative damage. Prevention and management of such stress are performed by photoprotective mechanisms, which operate by cutting down light absorption, limiting the generation of redox-active molecules, or scavenging reactive oxygen species that are released despite the operation of preventive mechanisms. Here, we describe the major physiological and molecular mechanisms of photoprotection involved in the harmless removal of the excess light energy absorbed by green algae and land plants. In vivo analyses of mutants targeting photosynthetic components and the enhanced resolution of spectroscopic techniques have highlighted specific mechanisms protecting the photosynthetic apparatus from overexcitation. Recent findings unveil a network of multiple interacting elements, the reaction times of which vary from a millisecond to weeks, that continuously maintain photosynthetic organisms within the narrow safety range between efficient light harvesting and photoprotection.

Redox regulation of PGRL1 at the onset of low light intensity

PGR5-LIKE PHOTOSYNTHETIC PHENOTYPE1 (PGRL1) regulates photosystem I cyclic electron flow which transiently activates non-photochemical quenching at the onset of light. Here, we show that a disulfide-based mechanism of PGRL1 regulated this process in vivo at the onset of low light levels. We found that PGRL1 regulation depended on active formation of key regulatory disulfides in the dark, and that PGR5 was required for this activity. The disulfide state of PGRL1 was modulated in plants by counteracting reductive and oxidative components and reached a balanced state that depended on the light level. We propose that the redox regulation of PGRL1 fine-tunes a timely activation of photosynthesis at the onset of low light.

Rapid regulation of photosynthetic light harvesting in the absence of minor antenna and reaction centre complexes

Plants are subject to dramatic fluctuations in the intensity of sunlight throughout the day. When the photosynthetic machinery is exposed to high light, photons are absorbed in excess, potentially leading to oxidative damage of its delicate membrane components. A photoprotective molecular process called non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) is the fastest response carried out in the thylakoid membranes to harmlessly dissipate excess light energy. Despite having been intensely studied, the site and mechanism of this essential regulatory process are still debated. Here, we show that the main NPQ component called energy-dependent quenching (qE) is present in plants with photosynthetic membranes largely enriched in the major trimeric light-harvesting complex (LHC) II, while being deprived of all minor LHCs and most photosystem core proteins. This fast and reversible quenching depends upon thylakoid lumen acidification (ΔpH). Enhancing ΔpH amplifies the extent of the quenching and restores qE in the membranes lacking PSII subunit S protein (PsbS), whereas the carotenoid zeaxanthin modulates the kinetics and amplitude of the quenching. These findings highlight the self-regulatory properties of the photosynthetic light-harvesting membranes in vivo, where the ability to switch reversibly between the harvesting and dissipative states is an intrinsic property of the major LHCII.

Lutein-mediated photoprotection of photosynthetic machinery in Arabidopsis thaliana exposed to chronic low ultraviolet-B radiation

Ecologically relevant low UV-B is reported to alter reactive oxygen species metabolism and anti-oxidative systems through an up-regulation of enzymes of the phenylpropanoid pathway. However, little is known about low UV-B-induced changes in carotenoid profile and their impacts on light harvesting and photoprotection of photosystem II (PSII) in plants. We investigated carotenoids profile, chlorophyll pigments, phenolics, photosynthetic efficiency and growth in Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) plants grown under photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), PAR+ ultraviolet (UV)-A and PAR+UV-A+B regimes for 10 days in order to assess plant acclimation to low UV-B radiation. A chlorophyll fluorescence assay was used to examine UV-B tolerance in plants further exposed to acute high UV-B for 4 and 6 h following a 10-day growth under different PAR and UV regimes. We found that both PAR+ UV-A and PAR+UV-A+B regimes had no negative effect on quantum efficiency, electron transport rate, rosette diameter, relative growth rate and shoot dry weight of plants. Chronic PAR+ UV-A regime considerably (P < 0.05) increased violaxanthin (26 %) and neoxanthin (92 %) content in plants. Plant exposure to chronic PAR+UV-A+B significantly (P < 0.05) increased violaxanthin (48 %), neoxanthin (63 %), lutein (33 %), 9-cis ß-carotene (28 %), total ß-carotene (29 %) and total phenolics (108 %). The maximum photochemical efficiency (F_v/F_m) in leaves was found to be positively correlated with total phenolics (rho = 0.81 and rho = 0.91, P < 0.05 for 4 and 6 h, respectively) and non-photochemical quenching (q_N) (rho = 0.81 and rho = 0.84, P < 0.05 for 4 and 6 h, respectively) in plants exposed to acute high UV-B for 4 and 6 h following a 10-day growth under chronic PAR+UV-A+B. There was also a significant positive correlation (rho = 0.93, P < 0.01) between q_N and lutein content in the plants exposed to acute high UV-B stress for 4 h following plant exposure to chronic PAR+UV-A+B. The findings from our study indicate that plants grown under chronic PAR+UV-A+B displayed higher photoprotection of PSII against acute high UV-B stress than those grown under PAR and PAR+ UV-A regimes. An induction of phenolics and lutein-mediated development of q_N were involved in the photoprotection of PSII against UV-B-induced oxidative stress.

Slow zeaxanthin accumulation and the enhancement of CP26 collectively contribute to an atypical non-photochemical quenching in macroalga Ulva prolifera under high light

Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) is an important photoprotective mechanism in plants, which dissipates excess energy and further protects the photosynthetic apparatus under high light stress. NPQ can be dissected into a number of components: qE, qZ, and qI. In general, NPQ is catalyzed by two independent mechanisms, with the faster-activated quenching catalyzed by the monomeric light-harvesting complex (LHCII) proteins and the slowly activated quenching catalyzed by LHCII trimers, both processes depending on zeaxanthin but to different extent. Here, we studied the NPQ of the intertidal green macroalga, Ulva prolifera, and found that the NPQ of U. prolifera lack the faster-activated quenching, and showed much greater sensitivity to dithiothreitol (DTT) than to dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD). Further results suggested that the monomeric LHC proteins in U. prolifera included only CP29 and CP26, but lacked CP24, unlike Arabidopsis thaliana and the moss Physcomitrella patens. Moreover, the expression levels of CP26 increased significantly following exposure to high light, but the concentrations of the two important photoprotective proteins (PsbS and light-harvesting complex stress-related [LhcSR]) did not change upon the same conditions. Analysis of the xanthophyll cycle pigments showed that, upon exposure to high light, zeaxanthin synthesis in U. prolifera was gradual and much slower than that in P. patens, and could effectively be inhibited by DTT. Based on these results, we speculate the enhancement of CP26 and slow zeaxanthin accumulation provide an atypical NPQ, making this green macroalga well adapted to the intertidal environments.

Effects of temperature and water availability on light energy utilization in photosynthetic processes of Deschampsia antarctica

Regional climate change in Antarctica would favor the carbon assimilation of Antarctic vascular plants, since rising temperatures are approaching their photosynthetic optimum (10-19°C). This could be detrimental for photoprotection mechanisms, mainly those associated with thermal dissipation, making plants more susceptible to eventual drought predicted by climate change models. With the purpose to study the effect of temperature and water availability on light energy utilization and putative adjustments in photoprotective mechanisms of Deschampsia antarctica Desv., plants were collected from two Antarctic provenances: King George Island and Lagotellerie Island. Plants were cultivated at 5, 10 and 16°C under well-watered (WW) and water-deficit (WD, at 35% of the field capacity) conditions. Chlorophyll fluorescence, pigment content and de-epoxidation state were evaluated. Regardless of provenances, D. antarctica showed similar morphological, biochemical and functional responses to growth temperature. Higher temperature triggered an increase in photochemical activity (i.e. electron transport rate and photochemical quenching), and a decrease in thermal dissipation capacity (i.e. lower xanthophyll pool, Chl a/b and β carotene/neoxanthin ratios). Leaf mass per unit area was reduced at higher temperature, and was only affected in plants exposed to WD at 16°C and exhibiting lower electron transport rate and amount of chlorophylls. D. antarctica is adapted to frequent freezing events, which may induce a form of physiological water stress. Photoprotective responses observed under WD contribute to maintain a stable photochemical activity. Thus, it is possible that short-term temperature increases could favor the photochemical activity of this species. However, long-term effects will depend on the magnitude of changes and the plant's ability to adjust to new growth temperature.

Fold-change Response of Photosynthesis to Step Increases of Light Level

Plants experience light intensity over several orders of magnitude. High light is stressful, and plants have several protective feedback mechanisms against this stress. Here we asked how plants respond to sudden rises at low ambient light, far below stressful levels. For this, we studied the fluorescence of excited chlorophyll a of photosystem II in Arabidopsis thaliana plants in response to step increases in light level at different background illuminations. We found a response at low-medium light with characteristics of a sensory system: fold-change detection (FCD), Weber law, and exact adaptation, in which the response depends only on relative, and not absolute, light changes. We tested various FCD circuits and provide evidence for an incoherent feedforward mechanism upstream of known stress response feedback loops. These findings suggest that plant photosynthesis may have a sensory modality for low light background that responds early to small light increases, to prepare for damaging high light levels.

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Chl a fluorescence responds to fold-change (FCD) in low-medium input light

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Identified fast feedforward (IFFL) regulation that depends on direct light input

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The direct sensing of input and FCD response are typical of sensory modules

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The IFFL precedes known feedback photoprotective regulation

Biochemical and Physiological Characteristics of Photosynthesis in Plants of Two Calathea Species

Plants of the genus Calathea possess many leaf colors, and they are economically important because they are widely used as ornamentals for interior landscaping. Physiological performances and photosynthetic capacities of C. insignis and C. makoyana were investigated. The photosynthetic efficiencies of C. insignis and C. makoyana were significantly increased when the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) increased from 0 to 600 μmol photons·m-2·s-1 and became saturated with a further increase in the PPFD. The two Calathea species had lower values of both the light saturation point and maximal photosynthetic rate, which indicated that they are shade plants. No significant differences in predawn Fv/Fm values (close to 0.8) were observed between dark-green (DG) and light-green (LG) leaf sectors in all tested leaves. However, the effective quantum yield of photosystem II largely decreased as the PPFD increased. An increase in the apparent photosynthetic electron transport rate was observed in both species to a maximum at 600 μmol·m-2·s-1 PPFD, following by a decrease to 1500 μmol·m-2·s-1 PPFD. Compared to LG leaf extracts, DG leaf extracts contained higher levels of chlorophyll (Chl) a, Chl b, Chls a + b, carotenoids (Cars), anthocyanins (Ants), flavonoids (Flas), and polyphenols (PPs) in all plants, except for the Ant, Fla and PP contents of C. insignis plants. Calathea insignis also contained significantly higher levels of total protein than did C. makoyana. The adjusted normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), photochemical reflectance index (PRI), red-green, and flavonol index (FlavI) were significantly correlated to leaf Chls a + b, Cars, Ants, and Flas in C. makoyana, respectively, and can be used as indicators to characterize the physiology of these plants.

Two mechanisms for dissipation of excess light in monomeric and trimeric light-harvesting complexes

Oxygenic photoautotrophs require mechanisms for rapidly matching the level of chlorophyll excited states from light harvesting with the rate of electron transport from water to carbon dioxide. These photoprotective reactions prevent formation of reactive excited states and photoinhibition. The fastest response to excess illumination is the so-called non-photochemical quenching which, in higher plants, requires the luminal pH sensor PsbS and other yet unidentified components of the photosystem II antenna. Both trimeric light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) and monomeric LHC proteins have been indicated as site(s) of the heat-dissipative reactions. Different mechanisms have been proposed: energy transfer to a lutein quencher in trimers, formation of a zeaxanthin radical cation in monomers. Here, we report on the construction of a mutant lacking all monomeric LHC proteins but retaining LHCII trimers. Its non-photochemical quenching induction rate was substantially slower with respect to the wild type. A carotenoid radical cation signal was detected in the wild type, although it was lost in the mutant. We conclude that non-photochemical quenching is catalysed by two independent mechanisms, with the fastest activated response catalysed within monomeric LHC proteins depending on both zeaxanthin and lutein and on the formation of a radical cation. Trimeric LHCII was responsible for the slowly activated quenching component whereas inclusion in supercomplexes was not required. This latter activity does not depend on lutein nor on charge transfer events, whereas zeaxanthin was essential.

A mathematical model of non-photochemical quenching to study short-term light memory in plants

Plants are permanently exposed to rapidly changing environments, therefore it is evident that they had to evolve mechanisms enabling them to dynamically adapt to such fluctuations. Here we study how plants can be trained to enhance their photoprotection and elaborate on the concept of the short-term illumination memory in Arabidopsis thaliana. By monitoring fluorescence emission dynamics we systematically observe the extent of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) after previous light exposure to recognise and quantify the memory effect. We propose a simplified mathematical model of photosynthesis that includes the key components required for NPQ activation, which allows us to quantify the contribution to photoprotection by those components. Due to its reduced complexity, our model can be easily applied to study similar behavioural changes in other species, which we demonstrate by adapting it to the shadow-tolerant plant Epipremnum aureum. Our results indicate that a basic mechanism of short-term light memory is preserved. The slow component, accumulation of zeaxanthin, accounts for the amount of memory remaining after relaxation in darkness, while the fast one, antenna protonation, increases quenching efficiency. With our combined theoretical and experimental approach we provide a unifying framework describing common principles of key photoprotective mechanisms across species in general, mathematical terms.

The chlorophyll a fluorescence induction curve in the green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis: further insight into the nature of the P-S-M fluctuation and its relationship with the "low-wave" phenomenon at steady-state

Chlorophyll fluorescence is an information-rich signal which provides an access to the management of light absorbed by PSII. A good example of this is the succession of fast fluorescence fluctuations during light-induced photosynthetic induction after dark-adaptation. During this period, the fluorescence trace exhibits several inflexion points: O-J-I-P-S-M-T. Whereas the OJIP part of this kinetics has been the subject of many studies, the processes that underly the PSMT transient are less understood. Here, we report an analysis of the PSMT phase in the green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis in terms of electron acceptors and light use by photochemistry, fluorescence and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). We identify additional sub-phases between P and S delimited by an inflexion point, that we name Q, found in the second time scale. The P-Q phase expresses a transient photochemical quenching specifically due to alternative electron transport to oxygen. During the transition from Q to S, the NPQ increases and then relaxes during the S-M phase in about 1 min. It is suggested that this transient NPQ observed during induction is a high energy state quenching (qE) dependent on the alternative electron transport to molecular oxygen. We further show that this NPQ is of the same nature than the NPQ, known as the low-wave phenomenon, which is transiently observed after a saturating light pulse given at steady-state. In both cases, the NPQ is oxygen-dependent. This NPQ is observed at external pH 6.0, but not at pH 7.5, which seems correlated with faster saturation of the PQ pool at pH 6.0.

PGR5-PGRL1-Dependent Cyclic Electron Transport Modulates Linear Electron Transport Rate in Arabidopsis thaliana

Plants need tight regulation of photosynthetic electron transport for survival and growth under environmental and metabolic conditions. For this purpose, the linear electron transport (LET) pathway is supplemented by a number of alternative electron transfer pathways and valves. In Arabidopsis, cyclic electron transport (CET) around photosystem I (PSI), which recycles electrons from ferrodoxin to plastoquinone, is the most investigated alternative route. However, the interdependence of LET and CET and the relative importance of CET remain unclear, largely due to the difficulties in precise assessment of the contribution of CET in the presence of LET, which dominates electron flow under physiological conditions. We therefore generated Arabidopsis mutants with a minimal water-splitting activity, and thus a low rate of LET, by combining knockout mutations in PsbO1, PsbP2, PsbQ1, PsbQ2, and PsbR loci. The resulting Δ5 mutant is viable, although mature leaves contain only ∼ 20% of wild-type naturally less abundant PsbO2 protein. Δ5 plants compensate for the reduction in LET by increasing the rate of CET, and inducing a strong non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) response during dark-to-light transitions. To identify the molecular origin of such a high-capacity CET, we constructed three sextuple mutants lacking the qE component of NPQ (Δ5 npq4-1), NDH-mediated CET (Δ5 crr4-3), or PGR5-PGRL1-mediated CET (Δ5 pgr5). Their analysis revealed that PGR5-PGRL1-mediated CET plays a major role in ΔpH formation and induction of NPQ in C3 plants. Moreover, while pgr5 dies at the seedling stage under fluctuating light conditions, Δ5 pgr5 plants are able to survive, which underlines the importance of PGR5 in modulating the intersystem electron transfer.

Ethylene Regulates Energy-Dependent Non-Photochemical Quenching in Arabidopsis through Repression of the Xanthophyll Cycle

Energy-dependent (qE) non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) thermally dissipates excess absorbed light energy as a protective mechanism to prevent the over reduction of photosystem II and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The xanthophyll cycle, induced when the level of absorbed light energy exceeds the capacity of photochemistry, contributes to qE. In this work, we show that ethylene regulates the xanthophyll cycle in Arabidopsis. Analysis of eto1-1, exhibiting increased ethylene production, and ctr1-3, exhibiting constitutive ethylene response, revealed defects in NPQ resulting from impaired de-epoxidation of violaxanthin by violaxanthin de-epoxidase (VDE) encoded by NPQ1. Elevated ethylene signaling reduced the level of active VDE through decreased NPQ1 promoter activity and impaired VDE activation resulting from a lower transthylakoid membrane pH gradient. Increasing the concentration of CO₂ partially corrected the ethylene-mediated defects in NPQ and photosynthesis, indicating that changes in ethylene signaling affect stromal CO₂ solubility. Increasing VDE expression in eto1-1 and ctr1-3 restored light-activated de-epoxidation and qE, reduced superoxide production and reduced photoinhibition. Restoring VDE activity significantly reversed the small growth phenotype of eto1-1 and ctr1-3 without altering ethylene production or ethylene responses. Our results demonstrate that ethylene increases ROS production and photosensitivity in response to high light and the associated reduced plant stature is partially reversed by increasing VDE activity.

Chloroplastic thioredoxin m functions as a major regulator of Calvin cycle enzymes during photosynthesis in vivo

Thioredoxins (Trxs) regulate the activity of various chloroplastic proteins in a light-dependent manner. Five types of Trxs function in different physiological processes in the chloroplast of Arabidopsis thaliana. Previous in vitro experiments have suggested that the f-type Trx (Trx f) is the main redox regulator of chloroplast enzymes, including Calvin cycle enzymes. To investigate the in vivo contribution of each Trx isoform to the redox regulatory system, we first quantified the protein concentration of each Trx isoform in the chloroplast stroma. The m-type Trx (Trx m), which consists of four isoforms, was the most abundant type. Next, we analyzed several Arabidopsis Trx-m-deficient mutants to elucidate the physiological role of Trx m in vivo. Deficiency of Trx m impaired plant growth and decreased the CO2 assimilation rate. We also determined the redox state of Trx target enzymes to examine their photo-reduction, which is essential for enzyme activation. In the Trx-m-deficient mutants, the reduction level of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase was lower than that in the wild type. Inconsistently with the historical view, our in vivo study suggested that Trx m plays a more important role than Trx f in the activation of Calvin cycle enzymes.

A reductionist approach to model photosynthetic self-regulation in eukaryotes in response to light

Along with the development of several large-scale methods such as mass spectrometry or micro arrays, genome wide models became not only a possibility but an obvious tool for theoretical biologists to integrate and analyse complex biological data. Nevertheless, incorporating the dynamics of photosynthesis remains one of the major challenges while reconstructing metabolic networks of plants and other photosynthetic organisms. In this review, we aim to provide arguments that small-scale models are still a suitable choice when it comes to discovering organisational principles governing the design of biological systems. We give a brief overview of recent modelling efforts in understanding the interplay between rapid, photoprotective mechanisms and the redox balance within the thylakoid membrane, discussing the applicability of a reductionist approach in modelling self-regulation in plants and outline possible directions for further research.

Plants Actively Avoid State Transitions upon Changes in Light Intensity: Role of Light-Harvesting Complex II Protein Dephosphorylation in High Light

Photosystem II (PSII) core and light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) proteins in plant chloroplasts undergo reversible phosphorylation upon changes in light intensity (being under control of redox-regulated STN7 and STN8 kinases and TAP38/PPH1 and PSII core phosphatases). Shift of plants from growth light to high light results in an increase of PSII core phosphorylation, whereas LHCII phosphorylation concomitantly decreases. Exactly the opposite takes place when plants are shifted to lower light intensity. Despite distinct changes occurring in thylakoid protein phosphorylation upon light intensity changes, the excitation balance between PSII and photosystem I remains unchanged. This differs drastically from the canonical-state transition model induced by artificial states 1 and 2 lights that concomitantly either dephosphorylate or phosphorylate, respectively, both the PSII core and LHCII phosphoproteins. Analysis of the kinase and phosphatase mutants revealed that TAP38/PPH1 phosphatase is crucial in preventing state transition upon increase in light intensity. Indeed, tap38/pph1 mutant revealed strong concomitant phosphorylation of both the PSII core and LHCII proteins upon transfer to high light, thus resembling the wild type under state 2 light. Coordinated function of thylakoid protein kinases and phosphatases is shown to secure balanced excitation energy for both photosystems by preventing state transitions upon changes in light intensity. Moreover, proton gradient regulation5 (PGR5) is required for proper regulation of thylakoid protein kinases and phosphatases, and the pgr5 mutant mimics phenotypes of tap38/pph1. This shows that there is a close cooperation between the redox- and proton gradient-dependent regulatory mechanisms for proper function of the photosynthetic machinery.

Biodiversity of NPQ

In their natural environment plants and algae are exposed to rapidly changing light conditions and light intensities. Illumination with high light intensities has the potential to overexcite the photosynthetic pigments and the electron transport chain and thus induce the production of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). To prevent damage by the action of ROS, plants and algae have developed a multitude of photoprotection mechanisms. One of the most important protection mechanisms is the dissipation of excessive excitation energy as heat in the light-harvesting complexes of the photosystems. This process requires a structural change of the photosynthetic antenna complexes that are normally optimized with regard to efficient light-harvesting. Enhanced heat dissipation in the antenna systems is accompanied by a strong quenching of the chlorophyll a fluorescence and has thus been termed non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll a fluorescence, NPQ. The general importance of NPQ for the photoprotection of plants and algae is documented by its wide distribution in the plant kingdom. In the present review we will summarize the present day knowledge about NPQ in higher plants and different algal groups with a special focus on the molecular mechanisms that lead to the structural rearrangements of the antenna complexes and enhanced heat dissipation. We will present the newest models for NPQ in higher plants and diatoms and will compare the features of NPQ in different algae with those of NPQ in higher plants. In addition, we will briefly address evolutionary aspects of NPQ, i.e. how the requirements of NPQ have changed during the transition of plants from the aquatic habitat to the land environment. We will conclude with a presentation of open questions regarding the mechanistic basis of NPQ and suggestions for future experiments that may serve to obtain this missing information.

Long-term and short-term responses of the photosynthetic electron transport to fluctuating light

Light energy absorbed by chloroplasts drives photosynthesis. When absorbed light is in excess, the thermal dissipation systems of excess energy are induced and the photosynthetic electron flow is regulated, both contributing to suppression of reactive oxygen species production and photodamages. Various regulation mechanisms of the photosynthetic electron flow and energy dissipation systems have been revealed. However, most of such knowledge has been obtained by the experiments conducted under controlled conditions with constant light, whereas natural light condition is drastically fluctuated. To understand photosynthesis in nature, we need to clarify not only the mechanisms that raise photosynthetic efficiency but those for photoprotection in fluctuating light. Although these mechanisms appear to be well balanced, regulatory mechanisms achieving the balance is little understood. Recently, some pioneering studies have provided new insight into the regulatory mechanisms in fluctuating light. In this review, firstly, the possible mechanisms involved in regulation of the photosynthetic electron flow in fluctuating light are presented. Next, we introduce some recent studies focusing on the photosynthetic electron flow in fluctuating light. Finally, we discuss how plants effectively cope with fluctuating light showing our recent results.

On the origin of a slowly reversible fluorescence decay component in the Arabidopsis npq4 mutant

Over-excitation of photosynthetic apparatus causing photoinhibition is counteracted by non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of chlorophyll fluorescence, dissipating excess absorbed energy into heat. The PsbS protein plays a key role in this process, thus making the PsbS-less npq4 mutant unable to carry out qE, the major and most rapid component of NPQ. It was proposed that npq4 does perform qE-type quenching, although at lower rate than WT Arabidopsis. Here, we investigated the kinetics of NPQ in PsbS-depleted mutants of Arabidopsis. We show that red light was less effective than white light in decreasing maximal fluorescence in npq4 mutants. Also, the kinetics of fluorescence dark recovery included a decay component, qM, exhibiting the same amplitude and half-life in both WT and npq4 mutants. This component was uncoupler-sensitive and unaffected by photosystem II repair or mitochondrial ATP synthesis inhibitors. Targeted reverse genetic analysis showed that traits affecting composition of the photosynthetic apparatus, carotenoid biosynthesis and state transitions did not affect qM. This was depleted in the npq4phot2 mutant which is impaired in chloroplast photorelocation, implying that fluorescence decay, previously described as a quenching component in npq4 is, in fact, the result of decreased photon absorption caused by chloroplast relocation rather than a change in the activity of quenching reactions.

Integrative regulatory network of plant thylakoid energy transduction

Highly flexible regulation of photosynthetic light reactions in plant chloroplasts is a prerequisite to provide sufficient energy flow to downstream metabolism and plant growth, to protect light reactions against photodamage, and to ensure controlled cellular signaling from the chloroplast to the nucleus. Such comprehensive regulation occurs via the control of excitation energy transfer to and between the two photosystems (PSII and PSI), of the electrochemical gradient across the thylakoid membrane (ΔpH), and of electron transfer from PSII to PSI electron acceptors. In this opinion article, we propose that these regulatory mechanisms, functioning at different levels of photosynthetic energy conversion, might be interconnected and describe how the concomitant and integrated function of these mechanisms might enable plants to acclimate to a full array of environmental changes.

Response of chlorophyll d-containing cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina to UV and visible irradiations

We have previously investigated the response mechanisms of photosystem II complexes from spinach to strong UV and visible irradiations (Wei et al J Photochem Photobiol B 104:118-125, 2011). In this work, we extend our study to the effects of strong light on the unusual cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina, which is able to use chlorophyll d (Chl d) to harvest solar energy at a longer wavelength (740 nm). We found that ultraviolet (UV) or high level of visible and near-far red light is harmful to A. marina. Treatment with strong white light (1,200 μmol quanta m(-2) s(-1)) caused a parallel decrease in PSII oxygen evolution of intact cells and in extracted pigments Chl d, zeaxanthin, and α-carotene analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, with severe loss after 6 h. When cells were irradiated with 700 nm of light (100 μmol quanta m(-2) s(-1)) there was also bleaching of Chl d and loss of photosynthetic activity. Interestingly, UVB radiation (138 μmol quanta m(-2) s(-1)) caused a loss of photosynthetic activity without reduction in Chl d. Excess absorption of light by Chl d (visible or 700 nm) causes a reduction in photosynthesis and loss of pigments in light harvesting and photoprotection, likely by photoinhibition and inactivation of photosystem II, while inhibition of photosynthesis by UVB radiation may occur by release of Mn ion(s) in Mn4CaO5 center in photosystem II.

Optimization of light harvesting and photoprotection: molecular mechanisms and physiological consequences

The distinctive lateral organization of the protein complexes in the thylakoid membrane investigated by Jan Anderson and co-workers is dependent on the balance of various attractive and repulsive forces. Modulation of these forces allows critical physiological regulation of photosynthesis that provides efficient light-harvesting in limiting light but dissipation of excess potentially damaging radiation in saturating light. The light-harvesting complexes (LHCII) are central to this regulation, which is achieved by phosphorylation of stromal residues, protonation on the lumen surface and de-epoxidation of bound violaxanthin. The functional flexibility of LHCII derives from a remarkable pigment composition and configuration that not only allow efficient absorption of light and efficient energy transfer either to photosystem II or photosystem I core complexes, but through subtle configurational changes can also exhibit highly efficient dissipative reactions involving chlorophyll-xanthophyll and/or chlorophyll-chlorophyll interactions. These changes in function are determined at a macroscopic level by alterations in protein-protein interactions in the thylakoid membrane. The capacity and dynamics of this regulation are tuned to different physiological scenarios by the exact protein and pigment content of the light-harvesting system. Here, the molecular mechanisms involved will be reviewed, and the optimization of the light-harvesting system in different environmental conditions described.

Regulation of the photosynthetic apparatus under fluctuating growth light

Safe and efficient conversion of solar energy to metabolic energy by plants is based on tightly inter-regulated transfer of excitation energy, electrons and protons in the photosynthetic machinery according to the availability of light energy, as well as the needs and restrictions of metabolism itself. Plants have mechanisms to enhance the capture of energy when light is limited for growth and development. Also, when energy is in excess, the photosynthetic machinery slows down the electron transfer reactions in order to prevent the production of reactive oxygen species and the consequent damage of the photosynthetic machinery. In this opinion paper, we present a partially hypothetical scheme describing how the photosynthetic machinery controls the flow of energy and electrons in order to enable the maintenance of photosynthetic activity in nature under continual fluctuations in white light intensity. We discuss the roles of light-harvesting II protein phosphorylation, thermal dissipation of excess energy and the control of electron transfer by cytochrome b(6)f, and the role of dynamically regulated turnover of photosystem II in the maintenance of the photosynthetic machinery. We present a new hypothesis suggesting that most of the regulation in the thylakoid membrane occurs in order to prevent oxidative damage of photosystem I.

Antagonist effect between violaxanthin and de-epoxidated pigments in nonphotochemical quenching induction in the qE deficient brown alga Macrocystis pyrifera

Nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) of Photosystem II fluorescence is one of the most important photoprotection responses of phototropic organisms. NPQ in Macrocystis pyrifera is unique since the fast induction of this response, the energy dependent quenching (qE), is not present in this alga. In contrast to higher plants, NPQ in this organism is much more strongly related to xanthophyll cycle (XC) pigment interconversion. Characterization of how NPQ is controlled when qE is not present is important as this might represent an ancient response to light stress. Here, we describe the influence of the XC pigment pool (ΣXC) size on NPQ induction in M. pyrifera. The sum of violaxanthin (Vx) plus antheraxanthin and zeaxanthin (Zx) represents the ΣXC. This pool was three-fold larger in blades collected at the surface of the water column (19molmol(-1) Chl a×100) than in blades collected at 6m depth. Maximum NPQ was not different in samples with a ΣXC higher than 12molmol(-1) Chl a×100; however, NPQ induction was faster in blades with a large ΣXC. The increase in the NPQ induction rate was associated with a faster Vx to Zx conversion. Further, we found that NPQ depends on the de-epoxidation state of the ΣXC, not on the absolute concentration of Zx and antheraxanthin. Thus, there was an antagonist effect between Vx and de-epoxidated xanthophylls for NPQ. These results indicate that in the absence of qE, a large ΣXC is needed in M. pyrifera to respond faster to light stress conditions.

Photoinhibition of Photosystem II

Photoinhibition of Photosystem II (PSII) is the light-induced loss of PSII electron-transfer activity. Although photoinhibition has been studied for a long time, there is no consensus about its mechanism. On one hand, production of singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) by PSII has promoted models in which this reactive oxygen species (ROS) is considered to act as the agent of photoinhibitory damage. These chemistry-based models have often not taken into account the photophysical features of photoinhibition-like light response and action spectrum. On the other hand, models that reproduce these basic photophysical features of the reaction have not considered the importance of data about ROS. In this chapter, it is shown that the evidence behind the chemistry-based models and the photophysically oriented models can be brought together to build a mechanism that confirms with all types of experimental data. A working hypothesis is proposed, starting with inhibition of the manganese complex by light. Inability of the manganese complex to reduce the primary donor promotes recombination between the oxidized primary donor and Q(A), the first stable quinone acceptor of PSII. (1)O(2) production due to this recombination may inhibit protein synthesis or spread the photoinhibitory damage to another PSII center. The production of (1)O(2) is transient because loss of activity of the oxygen-evolving complex induces an increase in the redox potential of Q(A), which lowers (1)O(2) production.

Violaxanthin de-epoxidase is rate-limiting for non-photochemical quenching under subsaturating light or during chilling in Arabidopsis

In response to conditions of excess light energy, plants induce non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) as a protective mechanism to prevent over reduction of photosystem II and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The xanthophyll cycle, which contributes significantly to reversible NPQ to thermally dissipate excess absorbed light energy, involves de-epoxidation of violaxanthin and antheraxanthin to zeaxanthin in response to excess light energy. The activation of violaxanthin de-epoxidase (VDE), which catalyzes the de-epoxidation reaction, requires the generation of a light-induced, transthylakoid pH gradient. In this work, we overexpressed or repressed the expression of VDE in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) to examine whether VDE is rate-limiting for the induction of NPQ. Increasing VDE expression increased the de-epoxidation state of xanthophyll pigments, the rate of NPQ induction, and the level of NPQ achieved under subsaturating light. In saturating light, however, overexpression of VDE did not increase the xanthophyll pigment de-epoxidation state, the level of NPQ achieved following its initial induction, or substantially improve tolerance to high light. Only under chilling, which reduces VDE activity, did an increase in VDE expression provide slightly greater phototolerance. Repression of VDE expression impaired violaxanthin de-epoxidation, reduced the generation of NPQ, and lowered the level of NPQ achieved while increasing photosensitivity. These results demonstrate that the endogenous level of VDE is rate-limiting for NPQ in Arabidopsis under subsaturating but not saturating light and can become rate-limiting under chilling conditions. These results also show that increasing VDE expression confers greater phototolerance mainly under conditions which limit endogenous VDE activity.

Post-genomic insight into thylakoid membrane lateral heterogeneity and redox balance

Photosynthetic machinery requires balanced distribution of excitation energy from the light-harvesting complexes to photosystems. The efficiency of light-harvesting is regulated by thermal dissipation of excess energy, while the distribution of energy between photosystems is dependent on STN7 kinase and phosphorylation of thylakoid proteins. The regulation of excitation energy transfer has been linked to the lateral segregation of photosynthetic complexes along the thylakoid membrane. The study of photosynthetic regulation mechanisms using Arabidopsis mutants, which have been available for the last ten years, has challenged traditional views on regulation of excitation energy distribution. Here, we discuss an urgent need to create a holistic view of the dynamics of the thylakoid membrane using systematic research of the mutants available today.

Effect of moderate and high light on photosystem II function in Arabidopsis thaliana depleted in digalactosyl-diacylglycerol

The response of the heat-sensitive dgd1-2 and dgd1-3 Arabidopsis mutants depleted in the galactolipid DGDG to photoinhibition of chloroplasts photosystem II was studied to verify if there is a relationship between heat stress vulnerability due to depletion in DGDG and the susceptibility to photoinhibitory damage. Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) is known to dissipate excessive absorbed light energy as heat to protect plants against photodamage. The main component of NPQ is dependent of the transthylakoid pH gradient and is modulated by zeaxanthin (Zx) synthesis. These processes together with chlorophyll fluorescence induction were used to characterize the response of the genotypes. The mutants were more sensitive to photoinhibition to a small extent but this was more severe for dgd1-3 especially at high light intensity. It was deduced that DGDG was not a main factor to influence photoinhibition but other lipid components could affect PSII sensitivity towards photoinhibition in relation to the physical properties of the thylakoid membrane. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Photosynthesis Research for Sustainability: from Natural to Artificial.

On the relationship between non-photochemical quenching and photoprotection of Photosystem II

Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of chlorophyll fluorescence is thought to be an indicator of an essential regulation and photoprotection mechanism against high-light stress in photosynthetic organisms. NPQ is typically characterized by modulated pulse fluorometry and it is often assumed implicitly to be a good proxy for the actual physiological photoprotection capacity of the organism. Using the results of previously published ultrafast fluorescence measurements on intact leaves of w.t. and mutants of Arabidopsis (Holzwarth et al. 2009) we have developed exact relationships for the fluorescence quenching and the corresponding Photosystem II acceptor side photoprotection effects under NPQ conditions. The approach based on the exciton-radical pair equilibrium model assumes that photodamage results from triplet states generated in the reaction center. The derived relationships allow one to distinguish and determine the individual and combined quenching as well as photoprotection contributions of each of the multiple NPQ mechanisms. Our analysis shows inter alia that quenching and photoprotection are not linearly related and that antenna detachment, which can be identified with the so-called qE mechanism, contributes largely to the measured fluorescence quenching but does not correspond to the most efficient photoprotective response. Conditions are formulated which allow simultaneously the maximal photosynthetic electron flow as well as maximal acceptor side photoprotection. It is shown that maximal photoprotection can be achieved if NPQ is regulated in such a way that PSII reaction centers are open under given light conditions. The results are of fundamental importance for a proper interpretation of the physiological relevance of fluorescence-based NPQ data.

Canopy conundrums: building on the Biosphere 2 experience to scale measurements of inner and outer canopy photoprotection from the leaf to the landscape

Recognising that plant leaves are the fundamental productive units of terrestrial vegetation and the complexity of different environments in which they must function, this review considers a few of the ways in which these functions may be measured and potentially scaled to the canopy. Although canopy photosynthetic productivity is clearly the sum of all leaves in the canopy, we focus on the quest for 'economical insights' from measurements that might facilitate integration of leaf photosynthetic activities into canopy performance, to better inform modelling based on the 'insights of economics'. It is focussed on the reversible downregulation of photosynthetic efficiency in response to light environment and stress and summarises various xanthophyll-independent and dependent forms of photoprotection within the inner and outer canopy of woody plants. Two main themes are developed. First, we review experiments showing the retention of leaves that grow old in the shade may involve more than the 'payback times' required to recover the costs of their construction and maintenance. In some cases at least, retention of these leaves may reflect selection for distinctive properties that contribute to canopy photosynthesis through utilisation of sun flecks or provide 'back up' capacity following damage to the outer canopy. Second, we report experiments offering hope that remote sensing of photosynthetic properties in the outer canopy (using chlorophyll fluorescence and spectral reflectance technologies) may overcome problems of access and provide integrated measurements of these properties in the canopy as a whole. Finding appropriate tools to scale photosynthesis from the leaf to the landscape still presents a challenge but this synthesis identifies some measurements and criteria in the laboratory and the field that improve our understanding of inner and outer canopy processes.

STN7 Operates in Retrograde Signaling through Controlling Redox Balance in the Electron Transfer Chain

Phosphorylation of the major photosynthetic light harvesting antenna proteins by STN7 kinase balances excitation between PSII and PSI. Phosphorylation of such abundant proteins is unique, differing distinctively from conventional tasks of protein kinases in phosphorylation of low abundance proteins in signaling cascades. Excitation balance between PSII and PSI is critical for redox homeostasis between the plastoquinone and plastocyanin pools and PSI electron acceptors, determining the capacity of the thylakoid membrane to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that operate as signals relaying information between chloroplasts and other cellular compartments. STN7 has also been proposed to be a conventional signaling kinase, instigating the phosphorylation cascade required for coordinated expression of photosynthesis genes and assembly of the photosynthetic machinery. The absence of STN7 kinase, however, does not prevent plants from sensing redox imbalance and adjusting the stoichiometry of the photosynthetic machinery to restore redox homeostasis. This suggests that STN7 is not essential for signaling between the chloroplast and the nucleus. Here we discuss the evolution and functions of the STN7 and other thylakoid protein kinases and phosphatases, and the inherent difficulties in analyzing signaling cascades initiated from the photosynthetic machinery. Based on our analyses of literature and publicly available expression data, we conclude that STN7 exerts it signaling effect primarily by controlling chloroplast ROS homeostasis through maintaining steady-state phosphorylation of the light harvesting II proteins and the redox balance in the thylakoid membrane. ROS are important signaling molecules with a direct effect on the development of jasmonate, which in turn relays information out from the chloroplast. We propose that thylakoid membrane redox homeostasis, regulated by SNT7, sends cell-wide signals that reprogram the entire hormonal network in the cell.

Arabidopsis mutants deleted in the light-harvesting protein Lhcb4 have a disrupted photosystem II macrostructure and are defective in photoprotection

The role of the light-harvesting complex Lhcb4 (CP29) in photosynthesis was investigated in Arabidopsis thaliana by characterizing knockout lines for each of the three Lhcb4 isoforms (Lhcb4.1/4.2/4.3). Plants lacking all isoforms (koLhcb4) showed a compensatory increase of Lhcb1 and a slightly reduced photosystem II/I ratio with respect to the wild type. The absence of Lhcb4 did not result in alteration in electron transport rates. However, the kinetic of state transition was faster in the mutant, and nonphotochemical quenching activity was lower in koLhcb4 plants with respect to either wild type or mutants retaining a single Lhcb4 isoform. KoLhcb4 plants were more sensitive to photoinhibition, while this effect was not observed in knockout lines for any other photosystem II antenna subunit. Ultrastructural analysis of thylakoid grana membranes showed a lower density of photosystem II complexes in koLhcb4. Moreover, analysis of isolated supercomplexes showed a different overall shape of the C₂S₂ particles due to a different binding mode of the S-trimer to the core complex. An empty space was observed within the photosystem II supercomplex at the Lhcb4 position, implying that the missing Lhcb4 was not replaced by other Lhc subunits. This suggests that Lhcb4 is unique among photosystem II antenna proteins and determinant for photosystem II macro-organization and photoprotection.

Role of PSBS and LHCSR in Physcomitrella patens acclimation to high light and low temperature

Photosynthetic organisms respond to strong illumination by activating several photoprotection mechanisms. One of them, non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), consists in the thermal dissipation of energy absorbed in excess. In vascular plants NPQ relies on the activity of PSBS, whereas in the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii it requires a different protein, LHCSR. The moss Physcomitrella patens is the only known organism in which both proteins are present and active in triggering NPQ, making this organism particularly interesting for the characterization of this protection mechanism. We analysed the acclimation of Physcomitrella to high light and low temperature, finding that these conditions induce an increase in NPQ correlated to overexpression of both PSBS and LHCSR. Mutants depleted of PSBS and/or LHCSR showed that modulation of their accumulation indeed determines NPQ amplitude. All mutants with impaired NPQ also showed enhanced photosensitivity when exposed to high light or low temperature, indicating that in this moss the fast-responding NPQ mechanism is also involved in long-term acclimation.

Lutein from deepoxidation of lutein epoxide replaces zeaxanthin to sustain an enhanced capacity for nonphotochemical chlorophyll fluorescence quenching in avocado shade leaves in the dark

Leaves of avocado (Persea americana) that develop and persist in deep shade canopies have very low rates of photosynthesis but contain high concentrations of lutein epoxide (Lx) that are partially deepoxidized to lutein (L) after 1 h of exposure to 120 to 350 μmol photons m(-2) s(-1), increasing the total L pool by 5% to 10% (ΔL). Deepoxidation of Lx to L was near stoichiometric and similar in kinetics to deepoxidation of violaxanthin (V) to antheraxanthin (A) and zeaxanthin (Z). Although the V pool was restored by epoxidation of A and Z overnight, the Lx pool was not. Depending on leaf age and pretreatment, the pool of ΔL persisted for up to 72 h in the dark. Metabolism of ΔL did not involve epoxidation to Lx. These contrasting kinetics enabled us to differentiate three states of the capacity for nonphotochemical chlorophyll fluorescence quenching (NPQ) in attached and detached leaves: ΔpH dependent (NPQ(ΔpH)) before deepoxidation; after deepoxidation in the presence of ΔL, A, and Z (NPQ(ΔLAZ)); and after epoxidation of A+Z but with residual ΔL (NPQ(ΔL)). The capacity of both NPQ(ΔLAZ) and NPQ(ΔL) was similar and 45% larger than NPQ(ΔpH), but dark relaxation of NPQ(ΔLAZ) was slower. The enhanced capacity for NPQ was lost after metabolism of ΔL. The near equivalence of NPQ(ΔLAZ) and NPQ(ΔL) provides compelling evidence that the small dynamic pool ΔL replaces A+Z in avocado to "lock in" enhanced NPQ. The results are discussed in relation to data obtained with other Lx-rich species and in mutants of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) with increased L pools.

Photoprotection of reaction centers: thermal dissipation of absorbed light energy vs charge separation in lichens

During desiccation, fluorescence emission and stable light-dependent charge separation in the reaction centers (RCs) of photosystem II (PSII) declined strongly in three different lichens: in Parmelia sulcata with an alga as the photobiont, in Peltigera neckeri with a cyanobacterium and in the tripartite lichen Lobaria pulmonaria. Most of the decline of fluorescence was caused by a decrease in the quantum efficiency of fluorescence emission. It indicated the activation of photoprotective thermal energy dissipation. Photochemical activity of the RCs was retained even after complete desiccation. It led to light-dependent absorption changes and found expression in reversible increases in fluorescence or in fluorescence quenching. Lowering the temperature changed the direction of fluorescence responses in P. sulcata. The observations are interpreted to show that reversible light-induced increases in fluorescence emission in desiccated lichens indicate the functionality of the RCs of PSII. Photoprotection is achieved by the drainage of light energy to dissipating centers outside the RCs before stable charge separation can take place. Reversible quenching of fluorescence by strong illumination is suggested to indicate the conversion of the RCs from energy conserving to energy dissipating units. This permits them to avoid photoinactivation. On hydration, re-conversion occurs to energy-conserving RCs.

On the mechanism underlying photosynthetic limitation upon trigger hair irritation in the carnivorous plant Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula Ellis)

Mechanical stimulation of trigger hairs on the adaxial surface of the trap of Dionaea muscipula leads to the generation of action potentials and to rapid leaf movement. After rapid closure secures the prey, the struggle against the trigger hairs results in generation of further action potentials which inhibit photosynthesis. A detailed analysis of chlorophyll a fluorescence kinetics and gas exchange measurements in response to generation of action potentials in irritated D. muscipula traps was used to determine the 'site effect' of the electrical signal-induced inhibition of photosynthesis. Irritation of trigger hairs and subsequent generation of action potentials resulted in a decrease in the effective photochemical quantum yield of photosystem II (Φ(PSII)) and the rate of net photosynthesis (A(N)). During the first seconds of irritation, increased excitation pressure in photosystem II (PSII) was the major contributor to the decreased Φ(PSII). Within ∼1 min, non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) released the excitation pressure at PSII. Measurements of the fast chlorophyll a fluorescence transient (O-J-I-P) revealed a direct impact of action potentials on the charge separation-recombination reactions in PSII, although the effect seems to be small rather than substantial. All the data presented here indicate that the main primary target of the electrical signal-induced inhibition of photosynthesis is the dark reaction, whereas the inhibition of electron transport is only a consequence of reduced carboxylation efficiency. In addition, the study also provides valuable data confirming the hypothesis that chlorophyll a fluorescence is under electrochemical control.

Kinetic analyses and mathematical modeling of primary photochemical and photoelectrochemical processes in plant photosystems

In this paper the model and simulation of primary photochemical and photo-electrochemical reactions in dark-adapted intact plant leaves is presented. A descriptive algorithm has been derived from analyses of variable chlorophyll a fluorescence and P700 oxidation kinetics upon excitation with multi-turnover pulses (MTFs) of variable intensity and duration. These analyses have led to definition and formulation of rate equations that describe the sequence of primary linear electron transfer (LET) steps in photosystem II (PSII) and of cyclic electron transport (CET) in PSI. The model considers heterogeneity in PSII reaction centers (RCs) associated with the S-states of the OEC and incorporates in a dark-adapted state the presence of a 15-35% fraction of Q(B)-nonreducing RCs that probably is identical with the S₀ fraction. The fluorescence induction algorithm (FIA) in the 10 μs-1s excitation time range considers a photochemical O-J-D, a photo-electrochemical J-I and an I-P phase reflecting the response of the variable fluorescence to the electric trans-thylakoid potential generated by the proton pump fuelled by CET in PSI. The photochemical phase incorporates the kinetics associated with the double reduction of the acceptor pair of pheophytin (Phe) and plastoquinone Q(A) [PheQ(A)] in Q(B) nonreducing RCs and the associated doubling of the variable fluorescence, in agreement with the three-state trapping model (TSTM) of PS II. The decline in fluorescence emission during the so called SMT in the 1-100s excitation time range, known as the Kautsky curve, is shown to be associated with a substantial decrease of CET-powered proton efflux from the stroma into the chloroplast lumen through the ATPsynthase of the photosynthetic machinery.

Regulation and function of xanthophyll cycle-dependent photoprotection in algae

The xanthophyll cycle represents one of the important photoprotection mechanisms in plant cells. In the present review, we summarize current knowledge about the violaxanthin cycle of vascular plants, green and brown algae, and the diadinoxanthin cycle of the algal classes Bacillariophyceae, Xanthophyceae, Haptophyceae, and Dinophyceae. We address the biochemistry of the xanthophyll cycle enzymes with a special focus on protein structure, co-substrate requirements and regulation of enzyme activity. We present recent ideas regarding the structural basis of xanthophyll cycle-dependent photoprotection, including different models for the mechanism of non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll a fluorescence. In a dedicated chapter, we also describe the unique violaxanthin antheraxanthin cycle of the Prasinophyceae, together with its implication for the mechanism of xanthophyll cycle-dependent heat dissipation. The interaction between the diadinoxanthin cycle and alternative electron flow pathways in the chloroplasts of diatoms is an additional topic of this review, and in the last chapter we cover aspects of the importance of xanthophyll cycle-dependent photoprotection for different algal species in their natural environments.

Proton equilibration in the chloroplast modulates multiphasic kinetics of nonphotochemical quenching of fluorescence in plants

In plants, the major route for dissipating excess light is the nonphotochemical quenching of absorbed light (NPQ), which is associated with thylakoid lumen acidification. Our data offer an interpretation for the complex relationship between changes in luminal pH and the NPQ response. Upon steady-state illumination, fast NPQ relaxation in the dark reflects the equilibration between the electrochemical proton gradient established in the light and the cellular ATP/ADP+Pi ratio. This is followed by a slower phase, which reflects the decay of the proton motive force at equilibrium, due to gradual cellular ATP consumption. In transient conditions, a sustained lag appears in both quenching onset and relaxation, which is modulated by the size of the antenna complexes of photosystem II and by cyclic electron flow around photosystem I. We propose that this phenomenon reflects the signature of protonation of specific domains in the antenna and of slow H(+) diffusion in the different domains of the chloroplast.

Conserved structure of the chloroplast-DNA encoded D1 protein is essential for effective photoprotection via non-photochemical thermal dissipation in higher plants

Naturally selected atrazine-resistant (AR) weeds possessing a Ser(264) --> Gly D1 protein encoded by a mutant psbA allele in the chloroplast-DNA have increased photosensitivity and lower fitness. The D1 mutant lines of S. nigrum revealed impaired regulation of photosystem II (PSII) activity as compared with the wild-type plants resulting in a less effective photochemical light utilization and in addition, a lower capacity of non-photochemical thermal dissipation (NPQ), one of the main photoprotective mechanisms in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms. In this work, comparative chlorophyll fluorescence analysis in attached leaves of wild-type and AR Solanum nigrum L. and in their reciprocal crosses has been used to establish how the lower NPQ is inherited. Both a 50% reduction in steady-state NPQ and a 60-70% reduction in the rapidly reversible, energy-dependent (qE) component of NPQ were common phenomena in the parent and hybrid lines of D1 mutant S. nigrum. The nuclear hybrid status of the F2 plant material was confirmed by morphological observations on fully developed leaves. No alteration was found in the nucleotide sequence and the deduced amino acid sequences of the nuclear psbS gene isolated from different biotypes of S. nigrum, and there were no differences in the expressions of both the PsbS and the D1 proteins. All things considered, co-inheritance of the lower photoprotective NPQ capacity and the Ser(264) --> Gly D1 protein mutation was clearly observed, suggesting that the evolutionarily conserved D1 structure must be indispensable for the efficient NPQ process in higher plants.

Role of thylakoid ATP/ADP carrier in photoinhibition and photoprotection of photosystem II in Arabidopsis

The chloroplast thylakoid ATP/ADP carrier (TAAC) belongs to the mitochondrial carrier superfamily and supplies the thylakoid lumen with stromal ATP in exchange for ADP. Here, we investigate the physiological consequences of TAAC depletion in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We show that the deficiency of TAAC in two T-DNA insertion lines does not modify the chloroplast ultrastructure, the relative amounts of photosynthetic proteins, the pigment composition, and the photosynthetic activity. Under growth light conditions, the mutants initially displayed similar shoot weight, but lower when reaching full development, and were less tolerant to high light conditions in comparison with the wild type. These observations prompted us to study in more detail the effects of TAAC depletion on photoinhibition and photoprotection of the photosystem II (PSII) complex. The steady-state phosphorylation levels of PSII proteins were not affected, but the degradation of the reaction center II D1 protein was blocked, and decreased amounts of CP43-less PSII monomers were detected in the mutants. Besides this, the mutant leaves displayed a transiently higher nonphotochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence than the wild-type leaves, especially at low light. This may be attributed to the accumulation in the absence of TAAC of a higher electrochemical H(+) gradient in the first minutes of illumination, which more efficiently activates photoprotective xanthophyll cycle-dependent and independent mechanisms. Based on these results, we propose that TAAC plays a critical role in the disassembly steps during PSII repair and in addition may balance the trans-thylakoid electrochemical H(+) gradient storage.

Enhanced photoprotection by protein-bound vs free xanthophyll pools: a comparative analysis of chlorophyll b and xanthophyll biosynthesis mutants

When light absorbed by plants exceeds the capacity of photosynthesis, the xanthophyll violaxanthin is reversibly de-epoxidized to zeaxanthin in the so-called xanthophyll cycle. Zeaxanthin plays a key role in the protection of photosynthetic organisms against excess light, by promoting rapidly reversible (qE) and long-term (qI) quenching of excited chlorophylls, and preventing lipid oxidation. The photoprotective role of zeaxanthin, either free or bound to light-harvesting complexes (Lhcs), has been investigated by using mutants lacking Chl b (ch1) and/or specific xanthophyll species (npq, lut2). The ch1 mutation causes (1) the absence of Lhcb proteins; (2) strong reduction of the feedback de-excitation (qE); and (3) accumulation of xanthophylls as free pigments into thylakoids. Ch1 mutants showed extreme sensitivity to photo-oxidative stress in high light, due to higher singlet oxygen (¹O₂) release. The double mutant ch1npq1 was more sensitive to photo-oxidation than ch1, showing that zeaxanthin does protect lipids even when free in the membrane. Nevertheless, lack of zeaxanthin had a much stronger impact on the level of lipid peroxidation in Lhcs-containing plants (WT vs npq1) with respect to Lhc-less plants (ch1 vs ch1npq1), implying that its protective effect is enhanced by interaction with antenna proteins. It is proposed that the antioxidant capacity of zeaxanthin is empowered in the presence of PSII-LHCs-Zea complexes, while its effect on enhancement of qE only provides a minor contribution. Comparison of the sensitivity of WT vs npq1 plants to exogenous ¹O₂ suggests that besides the scavenging of ¹O₂, at least one additional mechanism is involved in chloroplast photoprotection.

Regulation of plant light harvesting by thermal dissipation of excess energy

Elucidating the molecular details of qE (energy quenching) induction in higher plants has proven to be a major challenge. Identification of qE mutants has provided initial information on functional elements involved in the qE mechanism; furthermore, investigations on isolated pigment–protein complexes and analysis in vivo and in vitro by sophisticated spectroscopic methods have been used for the elucidation of mechanisms involved. The aim of the present review is to summarize the current knowledge of the phenotype of npq (non-photochemical quenching)-knockout mutants, the role of gene products involved in the qE process and compare the molecular models proposed for this process.