A new method to isolate lichen algae by using percoll® gradient centrifugation
AbstractA rapid method to isolate intact functional algae from the lichens Evemia prunastri and Ramalina farinacea has been developed. This method is based on the use of Percoll® gradients after mechanical disruption of lichen thalli. Results obtained show that the algal preparations were virtually free of contamination by fungal hyphae. The purified algal cells were photosynthetically active and without symptoms of photoinhibition, which indicates their functional integrity. This method may be used for the isolation of intact algae from a broad range of lichen species.
Changes in net photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence and xanthophyll cycle interconversions during freeze-thaw cycles in the Mediterranean moss Leucodon sciuroides
The tolerance to freezing and thawing of Leucodon sciuroides, a moss growing in mountainous areas of the Mediterranean (south-east Spain), was investigated by means of CO2 gas exchange, modulated chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence and pigment analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography. Evidence is presented for freezing-induced decreases in CO2 fixation that enhance non-radiative dissipation of absorbed light energy, a process which protects the photosynthetic apparatus. The photosynthetic apparatus of L. sciuroides remained fully recuperable after freezing, as indicated by the recovery of photosynthetic CO2 fixation and Chl fluorescence parameters to pre-freezing values during thawin…
Responses of citrus plants to ozone: leaf biochemistry, antioxidant mechanisms and lipid peroxidation.
The effects of ozone upon 3-year-old trees of Clementina mandarin (Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan.) cv. Marisol exposed for 12 months to ambient (10 nl l(-1)) and high (30 and 65 nl l(-1)) concentrations in open top chambers (OTCs) were investigated. The data showed that in leaves, ozone reduced total chlorophylls, carotenoid and carbohydrate concentration. and increased 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) content and ethylene production. In treated plants, the ascorbate leaf pool was decreased, while lipid peroxidation and Solute leakaGe were significantly higher than in ozone-free controls. The data indicated that ozone triggered protective mechanisms against oxidative stress in c…
1-Naphthyl Acetate-Dependent Medium Acidification by Zea mays L. Coleoptile Segments
Zea mays L. cv INRA 5a coleoptile segments ecidify the incubation medium on the addition of 1-naphthyl acetate (1-NA). The buffering capacity of the bathing solution increases during 1-NA stimulated medium acidification. The solution bathing the 1-NA treated coleoptile segment was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. A considerable amount of acetic acid was detected in the bathing solution used to measure 1-NA-dependent medium acidification. For the first time, the data demonstrate directly the release of acetic acid from 1-NA. The extent of medium acidification was proportional to 1-NA concentration. Simultaneous measurement of medium acidification and acetate content upon a…
Changes in chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic CO 2 assimilation and xanthophyll cycle interconversions during dehydration in desiccation-tolerant and intolerant liverworts
The interactions among water content, chlorophyll a fluorescence emission, xanthophyll interconversions and net photosynthesis were analyzed during dehydration in desiccation-tolerant Frullania dilatata (L.) Dum. and desiccation-intolerant Pellia endiviifolia (Dicks) Dum. Water loss led to a progressive suppression of photosynthetic carbon assimilation in both species. Their chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics at low water content were: low photosynthetic quantum conversion efficiency, high excitation pressure on photosystem II and strong non-photochemical quenching. However, dissipation activity was lower in P. endiviifolia and was not accompanied by a rise in the concentration of de-…
Effects of ozone on photosynthetic CO2 exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence and antioxidant systems in lettuce leaves
The effects of ozone exposure on lettuce leaves were investigated by means of gas exchange, modulated chlorophyll a fluorescence and antioxidants systems. High ozone concentration decreased the rate of photosynthesis at light saturation level and changes in stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. However, an increase in intercellular CO 2 concentration indicated a decrease in the carboxylation efficiency. These data agreed with a reduction of non-cyclic electron flow and lower capacity to reduce the quinone pool. Ozone affected the ascorbate pool and decreased ascorbate peroxidase activity, increased lipid peroxidation, altered membrane properties and reduced the development of non-pho…
Differences in ozone sensitivity in three varieties of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) in the rural Mediterranean area
Summary The effects of air quality with three levels of ozone (O 3 ) were studied on three cabbage varieties during a one month exposure period in the Valencia area by means of modulated chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence, lipid peroxidation and solute leakage. Increasing O 3 exposure reduced the maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (F v /F m ) in line with a reduction in non-cyclic electron flow (ϕ PSII ), lower capacity to reduce the quinone pool (q P ) and a decrease in the potential phothosynthetic quantum conversion, Rfd ratio. These reductions were more evident in Caramba and Sentinel varieties but lower in Othelo. Ozone and its oxidative derivates weakened the plasmalemma, whic…
Chlorophyll a fluorescence in transplants of Parmelia sulcata Taylor near a power station (La Robla, León, Spain)
Healthy thalli of Parmelia sulcata Taylor were transplanted to 8 localities in the surroundings of a power station (La Robla, León, Spain), the sole pollution source in the region. Changes in chlorophyll a fluorescence were monitored in the transplants 12 months, 18 months and 24 months after transplantation. Statistically significant differences were observed in the ratio of variable to maximal fluorescence, non-photochemical fluorescence quenching and vitality index. The decrease in fluorescence parameters was higher in the localities of Cuadros and Rabanal de Fenar, which are situated a few kilometres away from the power station and in the same direction as the prevailing winds.