Participation of two photosystems in the photo-phobotaxis ofPhormidium uncinatum

Abstract

• 1. A hypothesis based on the Hill-Bendall-model of photosynthetic electron transport is proposed to explain positive and negative photo-phobotaxis inPhormidium uncinatum. In the non-cyclic electron chain a pool is located into which photosystem II (e. g. by absorption by C-phycoerythrin, 561 nm) feeds electrons while photosystem I (e.g. 723 nm) drains electrons out of it.

• 2. Interruption of the electron flow into the pool causes a sudden decrease of the pool size and thus a positive phobic response. This happens e.g. when an organism leaves a trap which is illuminated by a wavelength absorbed by photosystem II pigments (e. g. 561 nm).

• 3. A negative reaction takes place when electrons are suddenly drained out of the pool; again the pool size decreases. This is the case when an organism enters a light trap illuminated by photosystem I light (723 nm).

• 4. The net flow of electrons into or out of the pool—and thus the reaction sense—can be manipulated by the relative excitation of the two photosystems or by blocking the electron influx by DCMU.