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Photoinhibition of photosynthesis in a sun and a shade species of the red algal genus Porphyra

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Abstract

Gametophytes of two species of Porphyra collected around San Juan Island, Washington in 1986 and acclimated to low light conditions in culture showed different resistances to photoinhibition of photosynthesis. The intertidal species P. perforata J. Agardh exhibited photoinhibition at one-third the rate exhibited by the subtidal species P. nereocystis Anderson following treatments at 2000 μmol photons m-2 s-1 under conditions of full hydration and optimal temperature. The greater resistance of P. perforata to photoinhibition could not be attributed to reduced photosynthetic pigment concentration, higher photosynthetic capacity, avoidance of light by chloroplast movement or to enhanced rates of photorespiration. Total carotenoid concentrations were similar in the two species. It is probable that the mechanisms of this resistance are operating at the level of the thylakoid membranes. Resistance to photoinhibition represents an adaptation of photosynthesis in P. perforata which may contribute to its persistance in the extreme environment of its intertidal habitat.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, Washington, USA

    S. K. Herbert & J. R. Waaland

  2. Friday Harbor Laboratories, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, Washington, USA

    S. K. Herbert & J. R. Waaland

Authors
  1. S. K. Herbert
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  2. J. R. Waaland
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Communicated by P. C. Schroeder, Pullman

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Herbert, S.K., Waaland, J.R. Photoinhibition of photosynthesis in a sun and a shade species of the red algal genus Porphyra . Mar. Biol. 97, 1–7 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00391239

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00391239

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