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Kinetics of light emission by photosynthetic systems: Second order light decay kinetics means elovich kinetics in a solid state reaction; 1.5 order light decay kinetics means second order reaction kinetics

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Abstract

Kinetics of biological light emission processes do not mean what they seem to mean, because measured light intensity is not proportional to reactant concentration but to reaction rate. Therefore, the differential equation for light decay is usually different from that of concentration decay, so that mass action interpretations cannot be applied directly to light intensity decay. An observed second order light decay for Chlorella at 6.5°C, implies Elovich solid state reaction kinetics, which agrees with other evidence for solid state processes in photosynthesis. An observed 1.5 order light decay for Cholorella at 28°C implies second order liquid or solid state reaction kinetics. First ordere light decay implies first order reaction kinetics.

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  1. Biochemistry Laboratory, U.S. Naval Air Development Center, 18974, Warminster, PA, USA

    Freeman W. Cope

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  1. Freeman W. Cope
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Cope, F.W. Kinetics of light emission by photosynthetic systems: Second order light decay kinetics means elovich kinetics in a solid state reaction; 1.5 order light decay kinetics means second order reaction kinetics. Bltn Mathcal Biology 37, 79–83 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02463494

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02463494

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