Light-dependent pH changes in leaves of C₃ plants

Abstract

Action spectra in the red region of the spectrum for light-dependent cytosolic alkalization in leaves of C₃ plants which also received a low background of blue light differed from the action spectra for light-dependent vacuolar acidification. Light above 680 nm was less effective in supporting the cytosolic alkalization reaction than light below 680 nm. In contrast, in leaves illuminated in CO₂-free air the light-dependent vacuolar acidification exhibited a maximum at or even above 700 nm. When photorespiratory carbohydrate oxidation was suppressed in low oxygen, a substantially changed action spectrum of the acidification reaction resembled in shape that of the cytosolic alkalization with the exception that it was extended towards the far-red. From the presented data and from previously published data (Yin et al., 1990b, Planta 182, 253–261; Yin et al., 1990c, Planta 182, 262–269) it is concluded that in the presence of a weak background of blue light, and in the absence of CO₂ which drains electrons from the electron transport chain, cyclic photophosphorylation induced by far-red light permits increased export of dihydroxyacetone phosphate from the chloroplasts into the cytosol where its oxidation increases the cytosolic energy state giving rise to increased proton transport across the tonoplast. The data do not lend support to the view that export of malate from the chloroplasts and its oxidation in the mitochondria contribute significantly to cytosolic energization in the light.