Investigation of Non-photochemical Processes in Photosynthetic Bacteria and Higher Plants Using Interference of Coherent Radiation – A Novel Approach

Abstract

Photosynthetic Light Energy Utilisation Is Accompanied With The Ph-Gradient Formation, O₂ Production, Co₂ Fixation, Heat Propagation And Other Processes, Which Result In Dynamic Changes In A Volume Of Chloroplasts, Whole Cells Or Plant Tissue. Here, We Present A New Concept, In Which The Volume Changes In Chloroplasts, Photosynthetic Bacteria, And Plant Leaves Are Measured Using Interference Of Coherent Light Beams Produced By A Hene Laser (ɚ 632.8 Nm). The Aim And Main Advantage Of This Interferometric Method Applied Newly To Photosynthesis Research Is The Possibility To Quantify The Non-Photochemical Processes In Photosynthetic Samples Measured In Vivo Using The Parallel Recording Of Interferograms And Chlorophyll A Fluorescence Induction Kinetics. In This Way, The Heat Production In Bacteria (Rhodobacter Sphaeroides) Treated With A Gramicidin, As Well As The O₂ Evolution, Co₂ Uptake And Transverse Dilatations In Leaves Of Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris) Stressed By The Excessive Radiation Were Studied. We Found That The Heat Production Was Enhanced By Approximately 20% In Stressed Samples. Using Interferometry, We Have Also Observed Pronounced Transverse Dilatations In A Leaf Tissue Of Bean During Photosynthesis Caused Probably By Transpiration.