ALBERT

Notes: Summary Gas chromatographic analyses coupled with electro-antennographic detection indicated that (Z,E)-9,11-tetradecadienyl acetate (Z,E-9, 11–14:Ac) is a pheromone component of the cone pyralid Dioryctria abietella. Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analyses confirmed the presence of a tetradecadienyl acetate with mass spectrum and retention index identical to Z,E-9,11–14:Ac. A receptor cell sensitive to both Z,E-9,11–14:Ac and the female extract was identified on the male antenna. An additional receptor cell sensitive to (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate and (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate was found on the male antenna but was not activated by the female extract. In the field Z,E-9,11–14:Ac presented alone attracted significant numbers of male D. abietella. Addition of (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate inhibited the attraction of males to traps.

Notes: Abstract Receptor neuron responses to plant volatiles, trapped by head-space procedures, were examined in the pine weevil Hylobius abietis, using gas chromatography linked with electrophysiological recordings from single neurons. Seventy-two receptor neurons were tested 173 times for various plant volatile mixtures, either via a polar or a non-polar column. 1) All responses appeared as increased firing rates which followed the concentration profiles of the GC-eluted compounds. 2) The neurons were classified separately for the two column types in 17 and 19 groups respectively, according to the compounds they responded to. It suggests that the plant odour information is encoded by a large, but limited number of receptor neuron types. 3) Most neurons responded to a limited number of compounds (1–5) and showed a marked best response to one of them, whereas additional responses to several other components which seems to be structurally similar, was recorded for some neurons. It suggests that the plant odour receptor neurons are rather narrowly than broadly tuned, and that each neuron is specialized for receiving information about one or a few related compounds. 4) Most neurons responded to monoterpenes, whereas the other neurons responded to compounds of other categories. 5) Both major and minor plant volatile components activated specifically receptor neurons.

Notes: Abstract 1. The world consumption of energy is roughly 250 EJ. It increases with the level of technology and gross national product of a country. More than 83% of world energy consumption is used by the industrialized countries with one third of the world population; not quite 17% is used by the developing countries with two thirds of the world population. The world's resources of fossil fuels are estimated at 364,560 EJ; about 5–13% of this, and 31% in the case of natural gas, are considered reserves that are economically recoverable and utilizable with current technologies. 2. Agriculture's share of the economy's energy consumption in the Federal Republic of Germany is about 3.4%. It was five times higher per hectare of agricultural land in 1975 than in 1880, but the productivity of the energy was only half as high because of the enormous increase in productivity per unit of labor and area. In absolute terms, however, energy production per unit area increased tremendously, with gross agricultural production two and a half times its earlier size. 3. As a producer of plant material, agriculture qualifies as an energy producer, while as a producer of livestock it also is an energy consumer. In fact, through plant production agriculture becomes the only branch of our economic system that produces more energy than it consumes as fossil energy. Agriculture uses about 40% of its energy requirement for fuel, about 20% for machinery repair and replacement, 30% for mineral fertilizers, about 10% for electricity, and 1–2% for chemical crop protection. Forestry can be evaluated as particularly favorable from the energy viewpoint, while hothouse crops are very unfavorable. Agricultural chemicals support the energy output of green plants; agriculture as a whole is on balance energetically. 4. Solar energy and photosynthesis are the primary sources of energy to our plant. About 3 million EJ solar energy are radiated to the earth annually; 3000 EJ are fixed photosynthetically (2 ⋅ 1011 tons vegetable matter); the food requirement of 4 billion people is 15EJ. Another item of interest on the periphery of the energy balance is the enrichment of our atmosphere with oxygen, which has been accomplished for millions of years solely by the photosynthesis of green plants. 5. Through their additional yield effect, mineral fertilizers increase the energy output of plants more strongly than just the equivalent of the energy input. They cause the plant to produce more foliage and thereby promote more intensive assimilation, which means that mineral fertilizers enable the plant to utilize free solar energy better. A calculation of the energy involved in long-term field trials in cereals disclosed energy input: energy output ratios of 1:5.8 and 1:6.1. 6. Chemical crop protection has a similar effect since it protects against loss of plantproduced energy. Based on an average energy expenditure of 263 MJ ha−1 per kg ha−1 ‘typical’ active ingredient for a crop protection product, additional yields of only 4–4.5% — or considerably less in the case of high-energy crops such as cereals or sugar beets — would be sufficient to cover the energy expenditure; as a rule, however, the productivity of the chemical crop protectants is higher. The biological potential of our crops to utilize solar energy also has been improved considerably compared to earlier times — with cereals, for example, from 0.25% per unit area during the Middle Ages to 1.5% today; theoretically 4% is possible. The thesis that agrochemical aids in agriculture and horticulture are a waste of energy is unjustified. 7. Biomass also creates energy. Experts estimate the utilizable annual production of biomass in the Federal Republic of Germany to be 30 million tons mineral coal units (1 coal unit = 29.3 MJ), whereby undersized and refuse wood, straw and biogas are of special significance. Especially “fuel forests' of, for example, willows, poplars and alders could produce the equivalent of 486,000 MJ by way of 30 tha−1 biomass, contributing sizably to the fuel supply of the nation; at the moment, the conventional form of forestry produces only 30,240 MJ. It is considered feasible in Sweden to supply the entire energy requirement of the country from 93,000 km2 of ‘fuel forest’, and it must be remembered that mineral fertilization could be used to increase the productivity of land used for this purpose relatively quickly if the need were to become acute. The extraction of alcohol from crops offers other interesting aspects; the currently highest yield fuel crops (sugar beet, sugarcane and cassava) produce between 4,900 and 10,700 l ha−1 alcohol. 8. The energy problem of modern economies will not find its complete answer in the green plant. Prudent and well contemplated use of the green plant, however, may eventually do much to take the edge off today's energy dilemma.

Notes: Abstract Diurnal gas exchange characteristics were measured simultaneously in two mangrove species, Avicennia marina and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, over 7 d in summer (February–March), to compare their productivity. The study was undertaken in the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve, Durban, South Africa, using fully expanded leaves of young and mature trees at the top of the canopy. Gas exchange was strongly influenced by photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), leaf temperature and the accompanying leaf to air vapour pressure deficit (Δ w). Carbon dioxide exchange was saturated at a PPFD of about 600 μmol m-2s-1 in B. gymnorrhiza compared to 800 μmol m-2s-1 in A. marina. Maximal CO2 exchange occurred between 12h00 and 14h00 and was consistently greater in A. marina (8.8 μmol m-2s-1) than in B. gymnorrhiza (5.3 mu;mol m-2s-1). Mean internal CO2 concentrations ( ci) were 260 μl l-1 in A. marina and 252 μl l-1 in B. gymnorrhiza. Photorespiratory activity was 32% in A. marina and 30% in B. gymnorrhiza. Mean water use efficiency (WUE) was 8.0 μmol mmol-1 in A. marina and 10.6 μmol mmol-1 in B. gymnorrhiza. Diurnal leaf water potentials ranged from –0.8 to –3.5 MPa and were generally lower in A. marina.

Notes: Abstract Data on stand structure and rates of photosynthesis were used to estimate net canopy carbon fixation and carbon accumulation as living biomass in mangrove forests in Hinchinbrook Channel, Australia. Total annual canopy net carbon fixation was estimated to be about 29 t C ha−1 yr−1. This equates to about 204,000 t C yr−1 for all mangrove forests in Hinchinbrook Channel. Of this, only about 12% was stored as living plant biomass. Although it is not yet possible to present a robust carbon balance for mangrove trees, the remainder is presumably lost through plant respiration, litter fall, root turnover and exudation of organic compounds from roots.

Notes: Abstract Photosynthetic characteristics were investigated in the geographically isolated and restricted mangrove species, P.rhizophoreae. Gas exchange measurements were made on two to seven years old hydroponically grown plants maintained in 10%, 50% and 100% seawater. CO2 exchange in the 50% and 100% seawater treatments was reduced by 10% and 26%, respectively, compared to the 10% seawater treatment. CO2 response curves indicated that carboxylation efficiency was greater in 10% than in 50% seawater, while stomatal limitation increased from 11% to 16% as salinity increased from 10% to 50% seawater. Carbon losses via photorespiration (31% and 41%) and CO2 compensation point (67 and 81 μ11−1) were greater in 50% than in the 10% seawater treatment. Maximal CO2 exchange occurred at 30 °C with no differences among the salinity treatments. The results indicate that P. rhizophoreae exhibits many gas exchange characteristics previously reported for other mangroves.

Notes: Abstract The development of a specific, reliable and noninvasive method for measuring oxidative stress in humans is essential for establishing the role of free radicals in human diseases. Currently, accurate techniques to assess oxidant injury in vivo are extremely limited although a number of approaches are being investigated. Of these, the measurement of specific products of nonenzymatic lipid peroxidation, the F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs), appears to be a more accurate marker of oxidative stress in vivo in humans than other available methods. The purpose of this brief review is to acquaint the reader with the IsoPs from a biochemical perspective and to provide information regarding the utility of quantifying these compounds as indicators of oxidant stress.

Notes: Abstract  The aim of this study was to characterise growth and photosynthetic capacity in plants adapted to long-term contrasting atmospheric CO2 concentrations (C a). Seeds of Agrostis canina L. ssp. monteluccii were collected from a natural CO2 transect in central-western Italy and plants grown in controlled environment chambers at both ambient and elevated CO2 (350 and 700 μmol mol−1) in nutrient-rich soil. Seasonal mean C a at the source of the plant material ranged from 610 to 451 μmol CO2 mol−1, derived from C4 leaf stable carbon isotope discrimination (δ13C). Under chamber conditions, CO2 enrichment stimulated the growth of all populations. However, plants originating from elevated C a exhibited higher initial relative growth rates (RGRs) irrespective of chamber CO2 concentrations and a positive relationship was found between RGR and C a at the seed source. Seed weight was positively correlated with C a, but differences in seed weight were found to explain no more than 34% of the variation in RGRs at elevated CO2. Longer-term experiments (over 98 days) on two populations originating from the extremes of the transect (451 and 610 μmol CO2 mol−1) indicated that differences in growth between populations were maintained when plants were grown at both 350 and 700 μmol CO2 mol−1. Analysis of leaf material revealed an increase in the cell wall fraction (CWF) in plants grown at elevated CO2, with plants originating from high C a exhibiting constitutively lower levels but a variable response in terms of the degree of lignification. In vivo gas exchange measurements revealed no significant differences in light and CO2 saturated rates of photosynthesis and carboxylation efficiency between populations or with CO2 treatment. Moreover, SDS-PAGE/ LISA quantification of leaf ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) showed no difference in Rubisco content between populations or CO2 treatments. These findings suggest that long-term adaptation to growth at elevated CO2 may be associated with a potential for increased growth, but this does not appear to be linked with differences in the intrinsic capacity for photosynthesis.

Notes: Summary The growth and photosynethetic responses to atmospheric CO2 enrichment of 4 species of C4 grasses grown at two levels of irradiance were studied. We sought to determine whether CO2 enrichment would yield proportionally greater growth enhancement in the C4 grasses when they were grown at low irradiance than when grown at high irradiance. The species studied were Echinochloa crusgalli, Digitaria sanguinalis, Eleusine indica, and Setaria faberi. Plants were grown in controlled environment chambers at 350, 675 and 1,000 μl 1-1 CO2 and 1,000 or 150 μmol m-2 s-1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD). An increase in CO2 concentration and PPFD significantly affected net photosynthesis and total biomass production of all plants. Plants grown at low PPFD had significantly lower rates of photosynthesis, produced less biomass, and had reduced responses to increases in CO2. Plants grown in CO2-enriched atmosphere had lower photosynthetic capacity relative to the low CO2 grown plants when exposed to lower CO2 concentration at the time of measurement, but had greater rate of photosynthesis when exposed to increasing PPFD. The light level under which the plants were growing did not influence the CO2 compensation point for photosynthesis.

Notes: Abstract Three distinct strains (KL1, KS1, and KS2) of facultatively chemolitho-autotrophic bacteria able to use carbon disulfide or carbonyl sulfide as sole energy substrates were identified as novel strains of Paracoccus denitrificans. Evidence for their identity as biovars of P. denitrificans and as close relatives of Paracoccus versutus is based on their DNA composition, total sequencing of the genes for their 16S rRNA, muropeptide profiles, amino acid composition of peptidoglycan, kinetics of murein degradation by lysozyme, possession of large plasmids (91–98 kb) and megaplasmids (〉 450 kb), and plasmid transfer between the strains and with P. denitrificans and P. versutus. No functions have been identified for the 91- to 98-kb plasmids of strains KL1 and KS2, but curing strain KL1 of its plasmid did not affect growth on carbon disulfide, thiosulfate or succinate. Emendation of the formal description of Paracoccus denitrificans is presented. Autotrophic growth on carbon disulfide and thiosulfate was confirmed by 14CO2 fixation. Evidence is presented for initiation of carbon disulfide oxidation by an NADH-dependent oxygenase. Cell-free extracts catalyzed (1) NADH-stimulated uptake of oxygen in the presence of carbon disulfide, and (2) carbon-disulfide-stimulated oxidation of NADH. The activity was not sedimented at 50,000 ×g. Intermediates in aerobic carbon disulfide metabolism were shown by GC and GC/MS to include carbonyl sulfide and hydrogen sulfide, but anaerobic production of COS and H2S from carbon disulfide did not occur. SDS-PAGE of cell-free extracts showed polypeptides that were unique to growth on carbon disulfide, common to carbon disulfide and carbonyl sulfide, or found after growth on carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide or thiosulfate. The possible identity of these as proteins involved in sulfur compound metabolism is discussed.

Notes: Abstract In closed-chamber fumigation experiments dry matter partitioning and chlorophyll fluorescence of wheat were studied, analysing the effects of ozone during different stages of plant development. Ozone causes enhanced leaf senescence, leading to a loss of green leaf area and, consequently to a decreased supply of assimilates, affecting (in increasing order of severeness) stem, ear and grain productivity because of reduced storage pools for translocation. Leaves of plants before shooting stage were most sensitive but the lack of green leaf area after ear emergence had the most pronounced effects on grain yield. Measurements of photochemical capacity showed that evidence for negative ozone effects could be found in changes of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in leaf sections not yet showing visible ozone injury. Negative effects on photosynthesis were more distinct with increasing accumulated ozone dose, with increasing age of leaf tissue and with increasing ozone sensitivity of the cultivar. The changes in chlorophyll fluorescence are most likely to be explained by a decreased pool size of plastoquinones caused by ozone.

Notes: Abstract ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) is a highly conserved, low molecular mass (ca. 21 kDa) GTP-binding protein that has been implicated in vesicle trafficking and signal transduction in yeast and mammalian cells. However, little is known of ARF in plant systems. A putative ARF polypeptide was identifed in subcellular fractions of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, based on [32P]GTP binding and immunoblot assays. A cDNA clone was isolated from Chlamydomonas (Arf1), which encodes a 20.7 kDa protein with 90% identity to human ARF1. Northern blot analyses showed that levels of Arf1 mRNA are highly regulated during 12 h/12 h light/dark (LD) cycles. A biphasic pattern of expression was observed: a transient peak of Arf1 mRNA occurred at the onset of the light period, which was followed ca. 12 h later by a more prominent peak in the early to mid-dark period. When LD-synchronized cells were shifted to continuous darkness, the dark-specific peak of Arf1 mRNA persisted, indicative of a circadian rhythm. The increase in Arf1 mRNA at the beginning of the light period, however, was shown to be light-dependent, and, moreover, dependent on photosynthesis, since it was prevented by DCMU. We conclude that the biphasic pattern of Arf1 mRNA accumulation during LD cycles is due to regulation by two different factors, light (which requires photosynthesis) and the circadian clock. Thus, these studies identify a novel pattern of expression for a GTP-binding protein gene.

Notes: Abstract Over-expression of the psbAIII gene encoding for the D1 protein (form II; D1:2) of the photosystem II reaction centre in the Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 was studied using a tac promoter and the lacI Q system. Over-expression was induced with 40 μg/ml IPTG in the growth medium for either 6 or 12 h at growth irradiance (50 μmol photons m-2 s-1). This treatment doubled the amount of psbAII/III mRNA and the D1:2 protein in membranes but decreased the amount of psbAI messages and the D1:1 protein. The total amount of both heterodimeric reaction centre proteins, D1 and D2, remained constant under growth light conditions, indicating that the number of PSII centres in the membranes was not affected, only the form of the D1 protein was changed from D1:1 to D1:2 in most centres. When the cells were photoinhibited either at 500 or 1000 μmol photons m-2 s-1, in the presence or absence of the protein synthesis inhibitor lincomycin, the D1:2 protein remained at a higher level in cells in which over-expression had been induced by IPTG. These cells were also less prone to photoinhibition of PSII. It is suggested that the tolerance of cells to photoinhibition increases when most PSII reaction centres contain the D1:2 protein at the beginning of high irradiance. This tolerance is further strengthened by maintaining psbAIII gene over-expression during the photoinhibitory treatment.

Notes: Abstract Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) genes from Corynebacterium glutamicum (cppc), Escherichia coli (eppc) or Flaveria trinervia (fppc) were transferred to Solanum tuberosum. Plant regenerants producing foreign PEPC were identified by Western blot analysis. Maximum PEPC activities measured in eppc and fppc plants grown in the greenhouse were doubled compared to control plants. For cppc a transgenic plant line could be selected which exhibited a fourfold increase in PEPC activity. In the presence of acetyl-CoA, a known activator of the procaryotic PEPC, a sixfold higher activity level was observed. In cppc plants grown in axenic culture PEPC activities were even higher. There was a 6-fold or 12-fold increase in the PEPC activities compared to the controls measured in the absence or presence of acetyl-CoA, respectively. Comparable results were obtained by transient expression in Nicotiana tabacum protoplasts. PEPC of C. glutamicum (PEPC C.g.) in S. tuberosum leaf extracts displays its characteristic K m(PEP) value. Plant growth was examined with plants showing high expression of PEPC and, moreover, with a plant cell line expressing and antisense S. tuberosum (anti-sppc) gene. In axenic culture the growth rate of a cppc plant cell line was appreciably diminished, whereas growth rates of an anti-sppc line were similar or slightly higher than in controls. Malate levels were increased in cppc plants and decreased in antisense plants. There were no significant differences in photosynthetic electron transport or steady state CO2 assimilation between control plants and transformants overexpressing PEPC C.g. or anti-sppc plants. However, a prolonged dark treatment resulted in a delayed induction of photosynthetic electron transport in plants with less PEPC. Rates of CO2 release in the dark determined after a 45 min illumination period at a high proton flux density were considerably enhanced in cppc plants and slightly diminished in anti-sppc plants. When CO2 assimilation rates were corrected for estimated rates of mitochondrial respiration in the light, the electron requirement for CO2 assimilation determined in low CO2 was slightly lower in transformants with higher PEPC, whereas transformants with decreased PEPC exhibited an appreciably elevated electron requirement. The CO2 compensation point remained unchanged in plants (cppc) with high PEPC activity, but might be increased in an antisense plant cell line. Stomatal opening was delayed in antisense plants, but was accelerated in plants overexpressing PEPC C.g. compared to the controls.

Notes: Abstract CP 47, a component of photosystem II (PSII) in higher plants, algae and cyanobacteria, is encoded by the psbB gene. Site-specific mutagenesis has been used to alter a portion of the psbB gene encoding the large extrinsic loop E of CP 47 in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis 6803. Alteration of a lysine residue occurring at position 321 to glycine produced a strain with altered PSII activity. This strain grew at wild-type rates in complete BG-11 media (480 µM chloride). However, oxygen evolution rates for this mutant in complete media were only 60% of the observed wild-type rates. Quantum yield measurements at low light intensities indicated that the mutant had 66% of the fully functional PSII centers contained in the control strain. The mutant proved to be extremely sensitive to photoinactivation at high light intensities, exhibiting a 3-fold increase in the rate of photoinactivation. When this mutant was grown in media depleted of chloride (30 µM chloride), it lost the ability to grow photoautotrophically while the control strain exhibited a normal rate of growth. The effect of chloride depletion on the growth rate of the mutant was reversed by the addition of 480 µM bromide to the chloride-depleted BG-11 media. In the presence of glucose, the mutant and control strains grew at comparable rates in either chloride-containing or chloride-depleted media. Oxygen evolution rates for the mutant were further depressed (28% of control rates) under chloride-limiting conditions. Addition of bromide restored these rates to those observed under chloride-sufficient conditions. Measurements of the variable fluorescence yield indicated that the mutant assembled fewer functional centers in the absence of chloride. These results indicate that the mutation K321G in CP 47 affects PSII stability and/or assembly under conditions where chloride is limiting.

Notes: Abstract A shift in the ratio of chlorophyll (Chl) a and Chl b is an early indicator of heat bleaching in Euglena gracilis. This observation prompted us to consider whether or not changes in steady-state levels of chloroplast transcripts and in transcriptional activity could limit the synthesis of Chl a-binding proteins in bleaching plastids. We found that the mature transcripts for CP47 and CP43, the Chl a-binding apoproteins of the proximal antenna of photosystem II, decline sharply very early during bleaching. Our study also shows that transcription of psbB and psbC, the chloroplast genes encoding CP47 and CP43, remains essentially unchanged during the same interval. We conclude that posttranscriptional events, such as mRNA stability, could play a major role in initiating an irreversible loss of chloroplast function in Euglena at a moderately elevated temperature. Lack of these transcripts would eventually impair the assembly of photosystem II in thylakoids.

Notes: Abstract DNA sequence, copy number, expression and phylogenetic relevance of the psbA gene from the abundant marine prokaryote P. marinus CCMP 1375 was analyzed. The 7 amino acids near the C-terminus missing in higher plant and in Prochlorothrix hollandica D1 proteins are present in the derived amino acid sequence. P. marinus contains only a single psbA gene. Thus, this organism lacks the ability to adapt its photosystem II by replacement of one type of D1 by another, as several cyanobacteria do. Phylogenetic trees suggested the D1-1 iso-form from Synechococcus PCC 7942 as the next related D1 protein and place P. Marinus separately from Prochlorothrix hollandica among the cyanobacteria.

Notes: Abstract Part of the chlL gene encoding a component involved in light-independent protochlorophyllide reduction was deleted in wild type and in a photosystem I-less strain of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. In resulting mutants, chlorophyll biosynthesis was fully light-dependent. When these mutants were propagated under light-activated heterotrophic growth conditions (in darkness except for 15 min of weak light a day) for several weeks, essentially no chlorophyll was detectable but protochlorophyllide accumulated. Upon return of the chlL - mutant cultures to continuous light, within the first 6 h chlorophyll was synthesized at the expense of protochlorophyllide at a rate independent of the presence of photosystem I. Chlorophyll biosynthesized during this time gave rise to a 685 nm fluorescence emission peak at 77 K in intact cells. This peak most likely originates from a component different from those known to be directly associated with photosystems II and I. Development of 695 and 725 nm peaks (indicative of intact photosystem II and photosystem I, respectively) required longer exposures to light. After 6 h of greening, the rate of chlorophyll synthesis slowed as protochlorophyllide was depleted. In the chlL - strain, greening occurred at the same rate at two different light intensities (5 and 50 μE m-2s-1), indicating that also at low light intensity the amount of light is not rate-limiting for protochlorophyllide reduction. Thus, in this system the rate of chlorophyll biosynthesis is limited neither by biosynthesis of photosystems nor by the light-dependent protochlorophyllide reduction. We suggest the presence of a chlorophyll-binding ‘chelator’ protein (with 77 K fluorescence emission at 685 nm) that binds newly synthesized chlorophyll and that provides chlorophyll for newly synthesized photosynthetic reaction centers and antennae.

Notes: Summary The region of the chloroplast genome of Chlamydomonas reinhardii containing the gene of the thylakoid polypeptide D2 (psbD) has been sequenced. A unique open reading frame of 350 codons exists in this region. Because the first ATG is followed 11 codons downstream by a second one, the D2 polypeptide consists of either 339 or 350 amino acids. Comparison of the sequences of D2 and the 32K dalton polypeptides, both of which are associated with photosystem II, reveals partial homology. Although, the overall homology of these two polypeptides is only 27%, they contain several related regions and their hydropathic profiles are strikingly similar. These data suggest that the two polypeptides may have related functions and/or that their genes may have originated from a common ancestor. Alternatively, convergent evolution of these polypeptides may be due to structural constraints in the thylakoid membrane. Limited sequence homology is also observed between the D2 polypeptide and some of the subunits of the reaction centers of photosynthetic bacteria.

Notes: Abstract To identify amino acid residues of the D2 protein that are critical for functional photosystem II (PS II), sodium bisulfite was utilized for in vitro random mutagenesis of the psbDI gene from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Sodium bisulfite reacts specifically with cytosine in single-stranded regions of DNA and does not attack double-stranded DNA. Using a hybrid plasmid that was single-stranded in the region to be mutagenized and that was double-stranded elsewhere, mutations were targeted to a specific psbDI region coding for the lumenal A-B loop of the D2 protein. Several mutants were isolated with a total of 15 different amino acid changes in the loop. The majority of these mutations did not result in a loss of photoautotrophic growth or in significantly altered PS II function. However, mutation of Glu-69 to Lys, Ser-79 to Phe, and Ser-88 to Phe were found to influence photosystem II activity; the importance of the latter two residues for proper PS II function was unexpected. Cells carrying the double mutation S79F/S88F in D2 did not grow photoautotrophically and had no functionally active PS II centers. The single mutant S79F was also incapable of photoautrophic growth, but displayed reasonably stable oxygen evolution, while PS II function in the single mutant S88F appeared to be close to normal. Because of the more pronounced phenotype of the S79F/S88F strain as compared to the single mutants, both Ser residues appear to affect stable assembly and function of the PS II complex. The mechanism by which the S79F mutant loses photoautotrophic growth remains to be established. However, these results show the potential of targeted random mutagenesis to identify functionally important residues in selected regions of proteins.

Notes: Summary The rate of inorganic carbon uptake and its steadystate accumulation ratio (intracellular/extracellular concentration) was determined in the cyanobacteriumAnabaena variabilis as a function of extracellular pH. The free energy of protons ( $$\Delta \overline \mu _{H^ - }$$ ) across the plasmalemma was calculated from determinations of membrane potential, and intracellular pH, as a function of the extracellular pH. While inward proton motive force decreased with increasing extracellular pH from 6.5 to 9.5, rate of HCO 3 − influx and its accumulation ration increased. The latter is several times larger than would be expected should HCO 3 − influx be driven by $$\Delta \overline \mu _{H^ + }$$ . It is concluded that HCO 3 − transport in cyanobacteria is not driven by the proton motive force.

Notes: Summary The preputial glands of male nude (nu/nu) mice were analyzed by a combination of electron microscopy and gas chromatography to determine whether or not they are affected, like developing hairs and nails, by the nu/nu genotype. Results of the analyses revealed no differences between the glands of nude and normal male mice in either their ultrastructural characteristics or lipid secretory products.

Notes: Abstract Interrenal-like tissue in male African catfish is localized in paired organs, situated retroperitoneally anterior of the kidney. Histological and enzyme-histochemical (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) reactions were carried out on sections of these organs in order to localize steroid-producing cells. In vitro incubations were carried out to determine the steroidogenic capacity of the interrenal-like tissue. Twenty-one steroids could be identified and quantified in the incubation medium, by means of gas chromatography followed by mass spectrometry. Cortisol, 5α-and 5β-androstanedione and androstenedione together comprised about 80% of the total steroid content. In a previous study, twenty testicular steroids were detected in plasma after castration. In the present investigation we have shown that most of these steroids can be produced by the interrenal-like tissue, which thus can be considered as an extra-testicular source of gonadal steroids.

Notes: Abstract. Interrenal-like tissue in male African catfish is localized in paired organs, situated retroperitoneally anterior of the kidney. Histological and enzyme-histochemical (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) reactions were carried out on sections of these organs in order to localize steroid-producing cells. In vitro incubations were carried out to determine the steroidogenic capacity of the interrenal-like tissue. Twenty-one steroids could be identified and quantified in the incubation medium, by means of gas chromatography followed by mass spectrometry. Cortisol, 5α- and 5β-androstanedione and androstenedione together comprised about 80% of the total steroid content. In a previous study, twenty testicular steroids were detected in plasma after castration. In the present investigation we have shown that most of these steroids can be produced by the interrenal-like tissue, which thus can be considered as an extra-testicular source of gonadal steroids.

Notes: Summary The modifying effects of applying the plant growth regulators (PGRs) benzylaminopurine (BAP), gibberellic acid (GA3) and BAP+GA3 on physiological age were studied. Two experiments with two cultivars, differing in rate of physiological ageing (medium-early Pampeana, medium-late Huinkul) and two storage systems were performed during 1988/89 and 1989/90 in two different potato areas of Argentina. In both seasons seed tubers stored in heaps reached an advanced physiological age at planting, compared with tubers from the cold store. Seed tubers of cv. Pampeana were older than those of Huinkul. compared with control crops, those sprayed with BAP maintained ground cover and photosynthesis for longer, and those sprayed with GA3 for a shorter period. Consequently tuber yield was decreased by GA3 in 1988/89, but in 1989/90 all crops treated with PGRs outyielded the control. BAP could overcome effects of advanced physiological age on crop senescence and tuber yield.

Notes: Summary A lysimeter experiment was performed to study the optimal allocation of limited water supply in potatoes. Irrigation regimes equal to 40, 60 and 80% of maximum evapotranspiration (ET) were evenly applied over the crop cycle. Other treatments involved withholding 80 mm of irrigation, based on ET, beginning at each of three designated growth stages (tuber initiation, early and late tuber growth). An irrigated control treatment, restoring the entire ET, was included for comparison. Continuous drought stress reduced photosynthesis as irrigation volumes were reduced. Plant biomass and tuber yield decreased almost proportionally to water consumption, so that WUE was roughly constant. N uptake was highest in the control and in 80% ET treatment. Withholding water during tuberisation severely hindered plant physiological processes and penalized tuber yield. Reductions in photosynthesis, total biomass and yield were the greatest when drought was imposed during tuber initiation. The earliest stress resulted in the lowest WUE and N uptake. A new crop water stress index (SI) was proposed, which combines atmospheric demand for water and canopy temperature.

Notes: Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the potential for modifying drought tolerance of Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endl.) and Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc.). Three-year-old seedlings were controlled for five-months at three different soil water potentials ({ie73-1}). Japanese cypress exposed to high {ie73-2} was able to maintain higher photosynthesis (Phn), transpiration (Tr) and stomatal conductance to H2O (gH2O) in comparison to low {ie73-3} pretreatments, however, there was no significant difference in Phn for Japanese red pine. Soil water potential at the threshold from the maximum to limited Phn was higher in high {ie73-4} pretreatments than in low {ie73-5} pretreatments. Net photosynthesis, Tr and gH2O decreased more rapidly in high {ie73-6} pretreatments than in low {ie73-7} pretreatments. Transpiration decreased more significantly than Phn, thus, resulted in increased water use efficiency. All these factors are likely to result in significant improvements in the drought tolerance. Japanese red pine seems more drought-tolerant than Japanese cypress. Japanese cypress is suitable to soil of −0.05 MPa water potential, and Japanese red pine is suitable to −0.16 MPa and even dryer soils.

Notes: Abstract Using attached and detached leaves ofAcer palmatum Thunb. andRhaphiolepsis umbellata Makino, pulse-modulated chlorophyll fluorescence and CO2 exchange were measured. Quantum yield of photosynthesis was determined from the fluorescence parameter(Fm′−Fs)/Fm′, where (Fm′−Fs) was defined as the difference between steady state chlorophyll fluorescence (Fs) and maximum fluorescence (Fm′) elicited by a saturating light pulse. The rate of electron transport through photosystem II (total electron flow) was calculated from the product of quantum yield andA (PFD), whereA is the rate of absorbed photons as given by leaf absorptance, and PFD is the photon flux density at the leaf surface. The rate of electron transport dependant on CO2 uptake (assimilative electron flow) was calculated from the gross photosynthetic rate in a leaf. The difference between the rates of total and assimilative electron transport was denoted as the rate of non-assimilative electron transport which depends on photorespiration and oxygen reduction. Available data provided quantitative information on the rate of non-assimilative electron flow in intact leaves. When leaf photosynthesis ofA. palmatum was measured under sunlight, the rates of total and assimilative electron transport were determined to be approximately 900 and 150 μmol equiv. e/mg Chl·h, respectively. The difference (750 μmol equiv. e/mg Chl·h) was attributed to the activity of non-assimilative electron flow. The ratio of total to assimilative electron flow was found to increase gradually with rising in irradiance. The results suggest that non-assimilative electron flow occurred at much higher rate than assimilative electron flow at high irradiance. Implications of the results are briefly discussed in relation to photosynthesis limitation in tree leaves.

Notes: Summary The amount of oxygen which may be present in the gas volume corresponding to a peak is investigated and compared to the sample amounts. It is shown that even with high purity carrier gases one may have a significant excess of oxygen present at low sample amounts. Attention is drawn to the possibility of impurity build-up by diffusion e.g. through the septum.

Notes: Summary The high selectivity of complexation gas chromatography has been employed for enantiomer resolution and isotope separation. Thus, a chiral olefin, 3-methylcyclopentene, has been resolved analytically on optically active dicarbonyl-rhodium(I)-3-trifluoroacetyl-1R-camphorate in squalane. The deuterated ethylenes C2H4−nDn have been separated on the same rhodium(I)-containing stationary phase. The chiral aliphatic oxiranes epoxypropane andtrans-2,3-epoxybutane have been resolved on optically active nickel(II)-bis-3-trifluoroacetyl-1R-camphorate in squalane.

Notes: Summary The selective on-column abstraction of aliphatic aldehydes by gas chromatographic stationary phases containing N-iso-propyl N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine is described.

Notes: Summary Wall-coated open tubular columns prepared from chemically modified teflon tubing have been developed for gas chromatography. Chemical reaction of the inner walls of teflon tubing allows bonding of an adhesive layer on which a variety of stationary phaes can be coated. Test mixtures of alkanes and alcohols were used to investigate the chromatographic properties of these columns and the stability and mixing of the adhesive and stationary phae layers. the results in dicate that mixing of the layers is negligible and that the column is stable for a long period of time.

Notes: Summary The preparation of teflon capillary columns employing direct coating of the stationary phase to the chemically modified teflon surface and the role of the chemically modified teflon in the separation mechanism are described. Two types of contributions from the modified teflon have been observed: nonspecific adsorption of the carbon surface and specific interactions of polar groups in the carbon skeleton. The use of polar liquid phases can eliminate adsorption due to the presence of polar groups in the modified teflon.

Notes: Summary Glass capillary column chromatography is the most rapidly growing part of gas chromatography. There are many complex new analytical tasks and they require special capillary columns, Fortunately there is a wide range of column preparation methods available, and they make the preparation of glass capillary columns a more varied job than that of packed columns. In this paper these methods are reviewed and suggestions are given for making task-oriented columns.

Notes: Summary A method is described for the rapid catalytic hydrolysis of phenylurea herbicides on silica gel at elevated temperatures. After derivatisation of the anilines produced with heptafluorobutyric acid anhydride final analysis is done on a gas chromatograph equipped with an electroncapture detector. Detection limits are in the 1–5 picogram range. The method has successfully been applied to residue analysis of water samples at the 1 ppb level. The determination of free anilines present in water samples and the potential of various techniques to be used to discriminate between free anilines and parent herbicides are also discussed.

Notes: Summary The fractionation of eleven phenols which may be contaminants in drinking water has been accomplished by using acid-washed graphitised carbon black modified with trimesic acid and PEG 20 M.

Notes: Summary New application areas for headspace gas chromatography in agricultural and polymer degradation research are described. Specific examples are drawn from the various forms of headspace analysis with emphasis on the automated static equilibrium method.

Notes: Summary Impurities in commercially available nitromethane have been determined by gas-liquid chromatography using six different column packings. Besides nitromethane, 1-nitropropane, 2-nitropropane, acetonitrile, methanol, small amounts of ethanol and acetaldehyde have been detected. The presence of formaldehyde, ethyl acetate and acetone is probable. Mixtures containing comparable amounts of the four nitroalkanes could be separated on all columns, but plots of logarithms of the retention times vs. carbon number or boiling points of the nitroalkanes or column temperatures were linear only in case of columns packed with Porapak R and Q.

Notes: Summary The gas chromatographic analysis of amines after conversion to electron capture sensitive carbamates in two-phase systems has been studied. Hydrophilic compounds, for instance methylamine, are reacted with 2,2,2-trichloro-tert. butyl chloroformate. Quantitation below 10−7 M can be made by thermionic or electron capture detection. A hydrophobic amine, namely N,N-dimethyl-n-octylamine, was derivatized with 2,4,6-tribromophenyl chloroformate with addition of iodide ion to the aqueous phase. The favorable effect of iodide ion as well as the choice of pH and chloroformate ester is discussed.

Notes: Summary Gas chromatographic experiments have been performed in a truly rectangular channel with a 60∶1 cross-sectional aspect ratio, constructed according to the field-flow fractionation technology. It is shown that the peak broadening is controlled by the thickness of the channel while the maximum load is determined by the largest cross-sectional dimension. However, even with its elongated configuration, the side walls contribute significantly to the band broadening of solutes with a high diffusivity. Good agreement is found between the experimental plate height data and the recent theoretical calculations of Golay [13] taking into account the side-wall effect.

Notes: Summary Gas and high-performance liquid chromatographic methods in the analysis of phenols are reviewed. Among the great number of phenolic compounds analyzed, alkylphenols, chlorophenols, dihydroxy- and trihydroxybenzenes and biphenols are chiefly considered. The advantages and drawbacks of the methods are discussed, quoting the most important work. Relationships between the structural characteristics of phenols, the stationary phase structure, the mobile phase composition and the retention data are treated. Typical examples of the conditions for GC and HPLC analysis are summarized in tables. The literature comprises over 270 references, most of them recent.

Notes: Abstract The Kováts retention indices of 10 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were determined on SE-30, OV-101, SE-52, OV-7 and OV-17 stationary phases. A significant correlation has been found between the retention indices and the average molecular polarizabilities of the analyzed substances. Equations were derived for the direct determination of the average molecular polarizabilities from the retention index values. The influence of the temperature on this relationship is also indicated.

Notes: Summary C1–C20 carboxylic acids have been esterified in aqueous solutions with i-butanol. Gas chromatographic analyses have been performed from a single chromatogram. It has been established that esterification in the concentration range of [H2O]/[i-BuOH]=0.01–10.3 can be utilized for the quantitative determination of these carboxylic acids. The presence of water does not interfere in the range of [H2O]/[i-BuOH]=0.01–1.03. In the cases of [H2O]/[i-BuOH]〉1.03, anhydrous sodium sulfate has been used for binding the water, in an amount of [Na2SO4]anh./[H2O]≥0.2.

Notes: Summary C2−C16 dicarboxylic acids were esterified in aqueous solution in the presence of sulfuric acid. Esterification in water/n-butanol mixtures with mole ratios between 0.02 and 2.53 can be utilized for the quantitative determination of the dicarboxylic acids by gas chromatography. The presence of water does not interfere at water/n-butanol mole ratios below 0.27. For mole ratios above 0.27 anhydrous sodium sulfate has been used for binding the water. The mole ratio range was 0.25–0.75 for anhydrous sodium sulfate/water, and 0.32–1.3 for sulfuric acid/anhydrous sodium sulfate.

Notes: Summary The gas-liquid chromatographic method has been used to determine the solubilities and partial molar enthalpies of solution of the gases H2S, CO2 and COS in four polar solvents. The results agree well with literature values obtained using conventional techniques, with the one exception of H2S in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone. In this case there is some evidence for the occurrence of adsorption at the gas-liquid interface.

Notes: Summary The direct esterification and gas chromatographic analysis of aromatic carboxylic acids as n-butyl esters is described. Derivatization is performed in aqueous solution with n-butanol in the presence of sulfuric acid. The butyl esters of benzoic, phthalic, hemimellitic, trimellitic, trimesic and pyromellitic acids permit their gas chromatographic separation from each other and from fatty acids and alipatic dicarboxylic acids. At mole ratios of [H2O]/ [n-BuOH]≤0.04 the water present does not interfere with the esterification reaction. At mole ratios above 0.04 anhydrous sodium sulfate is used for binding the water, at mole ratios of [Na2SO4 anh.]/[H2O]=0.25–0.75.

Notes: Summary The changes in the heat of solution of polar compounds and xylene isomers in methylsilicone fluid OV-101 deposited on Chromosorb W AW DMCS were studied. It was shown that the heat of solution increases with an increase of the percentage loading of the OV-101 up to 10%. Solution and adsorption thermodynamic characteristics of the studied system are briefly discussed.

Notes: Summary Packings consisting of diphenylphosphine complexes with CoCl2 and CoBr2, chemically bonded to the silica surface, were synthesized and their retention parameters determined. The packings are capable of specifically interacting with electron-donating compounds by forming π-complexes. The interaction is considerably stronger in the case of CoBr2-containing packing than in the case of CoCl2-containing packing.

Notes: Summary A simple, inexpensive, on-column injector of the septum moving-needle kind is described for quantitative analysis using open-tubular columsn. when operated in the stopped-flow mode an improvement incolumn efficiency is observed combined wit a diminished tendency to produce split-top peaks, particularly for late eluting peaks. Using electronic integration a relative error of about 2.7% was observed for peaks spanning a wide range of sample concentrations and volatilities.

Notes: Abstract The vicosity-temperature relationship of the three gases (helium, nitrogen and hydrogen) most frequenly used as the carrier gas in gas chromatography is studied. Based on available data, equaitions are derived to describe this relationship. Using these equations viscosity data are tabulated for the chromatographically important temperature range.

Notes: Summary A specific, sensitive and general applicabla gas chromatographic method is described for the determination of parabens in various liquid pharmaceutical preparations: propylparaben and butylparaben in a liquid antacid dosage form (I); methylparaben, ethylparaben and propylparaben in a syrup (II); methylparaben and propylparaben in a solution for injection (III). Each time one of the parabens is used as internal standard. The parabens are extracted with diethylether and derivatized by silylation. Different columns are used for the analysis of the parabens: 3% SE-30 column, a 3% QF-1 column for different selectivity, a 2% OV-1 column for isothermal operation. Special attention is attributed to the standard: the parabens are dissolved in a minimal amount of 0.1 M sodium hydroxide and extracted in the same way as the pharmaceutical dosage form.

Notes: Summary The study of the resolution of sixteen secondary aliphatic alcohols by gas chromatography on (+)-dodecyl (2R, 3R)-tartrate, trapping the ascending part of the peak from a conventional filled column, has allowed the determination in a single operation of the sign and order of emergence of enantiomers. A correlation between the configuration of these secondary alcohols and their order of emergence has been established.

Notes: Summary The preparation of the acetonyl esters of nine aliphatic carboxylic acids is described, the general formula of the derivatives being RCOOCH2COCH3 where R=alkyl or H. The derivatives show good chromatographic properties on both packed and capillary columns. The electron impact and chemical ionisation mass spectra of the derivatives are discussed.

Notes: Summary A thermodynamic criterion, ΔQ, is suggested which permits to estimate the difference in the functional group energy of interactions for two different stationary phases. The linear dependence of ΔQ on the homolog number m of any series Rm X can be used as the thermodynamic criterion for the identification of substances by GC analysis.

Notes: Summary Wall-coated, open-tubular (capillary) columns prepared from different diameter tubing, with different liquid phase film thickness, are compared with each other and with packed and support-coated open-tubular columns. The comparison is based on the variation of the phase ratio and the capacity factor, and includes column efficiency (HETP, theoretical plate number), resolution, retention time, and sample capacity. Problems associated with the evaluation of the sample capacity are outlined. The influence of temperature on column performance is discussed in detail. Finally, the possibilities of short, wide-bore open-tubular columns prepared with a thick liquid-phase film are demonstrated.

Notes: Summary Statistical and factor analysis have been used to test the ability of several molecular descriptors to predict the retention indexes (I) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons determined on SPB-5 and SPB-20 stationary phases. Regression analysis with both columns showed that linear regression with connectivity index and bending energy of the molecules as independent variables gave the best correlation coefficients. ΔI 20–5, considered to be a measure of the polar forces in retention, gave a good correlation with the van der Waals radii of the molecules, or strain, and bending energy.

Notes: Summary This report was conceived as a source for the relations between five pneumatic parameters of carrier gas-inlet and outlet pressure, inlet and outlet velocity, and average velocity. Any pair of these parameters can be independent while the remaining three can be expressed as functions of the independent pair. As the total number of the independent pairs is ten, thirty different functions describing relations between arbitrary independent pairs and dependent parameters can be identified. All thirty were derived below together with the complete set of bounds for variations of independent parameters. To derive some relations, a third order rational equation had to be solved. Some properties of that solution are discussed. A simple case of vacuum operations with zero outlet pressure has also been considered.

Notes: Summary If the dependence of HETP on temperature is specified under isothermal conditions, it is possible to predict the HETP for programmed temperature elution and subsequently peak width at half-height. This requires knowledge of isothermal retention time at retention temperature, which is computed by means of a model including the variation with temperature of dead time estimated from 3 homologs with carbon number: n, (n+j), (n+jk), where n, j and k are any integers. Predicted and measured peak widths corresponded within 4–9%.

Notes: Summary This paper presents the results obtained using fused-silica fibers coated with graphitized carbon black (Carbograph-Alltech) for solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The extraction and calibration curves relative to organic micro-pollutants present in gaseous and aqueous samples are reported. Examples of applications of this extraction procedure to GC and GC-MS analysis of organic micro-pollutants in actual samples are also reported.

Notes: Summary The synthesis of 3-bromo-4-(4-methylbenzyloxy)azobenzene (BMBOA) and its use as a stationary phase in packed columns are described. Chromatographic characteristics such as column efficiency, polarity (McReynolds constants) and operating temperature range were studied. Retention factors, specific retention volumes and activity coefficients for alcohols, esters, ketones, aromatic hydrocarbons andn-alkanes were determined. Phenols and 2,3, and 4-chlorobenzyl chlorides were separated on the new phase. Based on experimental data some assumptions were made on the possible types of intermolecular forces between solute and solvent.

Notes: Summary An extension of Rohrschneider's concept to the field of the linear temperature programmed gas liquid chromatography, is proposed, which is based on Antoine's equation for the temperature dependence of the reduction index of Takács et al. and Tekler. The new method presented in this paper, applied to retention data of two stationary phases of low polarity, PS-255 and OV-105, gives a new possibility of precalculating retention data.

Notes: Summary A capillary gas-liquid chromatography method for the analysis of free short chain fatty acids in intestinal samples was developed. Analytical results obtained with intestinal samples are influenced not only by high molecular mass matrix constituents but also by matrix components with a molecular weight smaller than 5000 daltons. To achieve a faithful transfer of SCFA into the chromatographic system it was important to avoid accumulation of involatile deposits on the surface of the inlet liner. Cleaning of the inlet linear lead to a significant weakening of matrix effects. The method described, using an Innowax column, is more effective, particularly with respect to precision and sensitivity, and is clearly superior to packed columns. The capillary is the column of choice for the separation of short fatty acids in samples from the small intestine and stomach.

Notes: Summary The correlation equations between Kovats retention indices ofn-alkenes andn-alkynes, column temperature and number of carbon atoms in molecules of these compounds on OV-101, OV-225 and PEG 20M capillary columns have been calculated. The two variable equationI=A+B·n+C/T give a good fit and are the simplest for prctical use.

Notes: Abstract Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and temperature were measured continuously at the surface of estuarine intertidal sediments in the Tagus estuary, Portugal, along two spring-neap tidal cycles. PAR and temperature were strongly conditioned by the periodic tidal inundation, with large and abrupt variations occurring during flooding and ebbing. PAR levels reaching the sediment surface decreased very rapidly to zero or very low values during most of the daytime immersion. Inundation during high tide had the general effect of attenuating the amplitude of daily temperature fluctuation, with the incoming water usually warmer than the sediment during the night or early morning and cooler during the day. The daily progression of tidal emersion resulted in a clear fortnightly variation in total daily PAR reaching the sediment surface, while both daily mean temperature and mean temperature of diurnal low tide periods failed to exhibit a well-defined fortnightly periodicity. The obtained results indicate that the estuarine intertidal environment is dominated, at sub-seasonal time scales, by fortnightly periodicity in irradiance and temperature conditions favourable for benthic photosynthesis.

Notes: Abstract The effects of the herbicide thiobencarb (Saturn) were tested on the growth and physiology of the chlorophyte Protosiphon botryoides isolated from an Egyptian paddy. Assays were conducted using 16-day batch cultures. Chlorophyll and dry weight biomass yields were significantly reduced at 2–3 mg L-1 thiobencarb, and dark respiration increased and protein decreased significantly at 3 mg L-1. Reductions in exponential specific growth rate (μ) were generally small, but in some cases significant. Thiobencarb also slightly, but significantly, reduced the 77 K fluorescence parameter Fv/Fm, an indicator of maximum photosynthetic efficiency. No consistent dose-dependent changes occurred in chlorophyll per unit dry weight, total carbohydrate or gross photosynthetic capacity. Whereas half of the added thiobencarb was recovered from control (uninoculated) medium, it was largely absent from cells and culture medium after sixteen days, indicating biodegradation by the alga or associated bacteria. P. botryoides recovered fully within sixteen days following subculture in thiobencarb-free medium. Independently varying phosphate and nitrate nine-fold had no clear effect on the sensitivity of P. botryoides to thiobencarb.

Notes: Abstract The consequences of the addition of CO2 (1%) in cultures of S. platensis are examined in terms of biomass yield, cell composition and external medium composition. CO2 enrichment was tested under nitrogen saturating and nitrogen limiting conditions. Increasing CO2 levels did not cause any change in maximum growth rate while it decreased maximum biomass yield. Protein and pigments were decreased and carbohydrate increased by high CO2, but the capability to store carbohydrates was saturated. C:N ratio remained unchanged while organic carbon released to the external medium was enhanced, suggesting that organic carbon release in S. platensis is an efficient mechanism for the maintenance of the metabolic integrity, balancing the cell C:N ratio in response to environmental CO2 changes. CO2 affected the pigment content: Phycocyanin, chlorophyll and carotenoids were reduced in around 50%, but the photosynthetic parameters were slightly changed. We propose that in S. platensis CO2 could act promoting degradation of pigments synthetised in excess in normal CO2 conditions, that are not necessary for light harvesting. Nitrogen assimilation was significantly not affected by CO2, and it is proposed that the inability to stimulate N assimilation by CO2 enrichment determined the lack of response in maximum growth rate.

Notes: Abstract Microalgal productivity was examined using both a wild type and a phycocyanin-deficient mutant of Synechocystis PCC 6714 (PD-1). The culture was conducted at various light intensities under low and high cell densities in a continuous culture system. At low light intensity, photosynthetic productivity was almost the same for both low and high cell densities. However, at higher light intensities photosynthetic productivity was higher in mutant PD-1 than in the wild type. At 2000 μmol photon m−2 s−1 the productivity was 50% higher in mutant PD-1. This result is consistent with our first report (Nakajima & Ueda, 1997), which showed that photosynthetic productivity can be improved by reducing the light harvesting pigment content in high cell density cultures at high light intensities. It is concluded that the technology for reducing LHP content is a useful method for improving photosynthetic productivity in algal mass production.

Notes: Abstract The cyanobacteriumSynechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is readily amenable to targeted mutagenesis: Foreign DNA is taken up spontaneously, and after uptake DNA can be integrated into the organism's genome by homologous recombination. Using appropriate DNA constructs for transformation, specific genes in the organism can be interrupted, deleted, or replaced by modified gene copies. The organism can grow under a number of different conditions, ranging from photoautotrophic to fully heterotrophic modes, making genetic modifications that alter fundamental processes such as photosynthesis and/or respiration feasible. For example, deletion of photosystem I leads to an obligate (photo)heterotrophic strain in which photosystem II-generated electrons appear to be consumed by respiratory processes, whereas deletion of photosystem II leads to an obligate (photo)heterotrophic strain in which cyclic electron flow around photosystem I appears to remain active. A major advantage ofSynechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is that its entire genome has been sequenced (by S. Tabata and co-workers), opening many avenues to address basic and applied research problems. For example, genes can be introduced, modified or deleted, and hypotheses regarding the function of an open reading frame can be tested by deletion of this open reading frame. Methods to modify genes are numerous. In addition to site-directed mutagenesis, novel molecular genetic approaches including ‘targeted random mutagenesis’, combinatorial mutagenesis and introduction of hybrid genes have come of age and have proven to be very powerful tools in protein engineering. These approaches have been utilized primarily in this strain to study photosynthesis, but applications of this technology, including pathway engineering, alterations of substrate specificity of enzymes and introduction of tolerance to a variety of stresses, are equally feasible in relation to more applied aims. For optimal utilization of the potential of theSynechocystis sp. PCC 6803 system, however, an increased emphasis toward understanding the biochemistry and molecular physiology of cyanobacteria will also be critically important.

Notes: Abstract A chlorophyll fluorescence technique was applied to anin situ study on the effects of low temperature and high light stresses onSpirulina cultures grown outdoors in controlled tubular photobioreactors at high (1.1 g L−1) and low (0.44 g L−1) biomass concentrations. Diurnal changes in PSII photochemistry (F v/F m) after 15 min of darkness, or in the light (dF/F′ m), and non-photochemical (qN) quenching were measured using a portable, pulse-amplitude-modulated fluorometer. The depression of theF v/F m ratio ofSpirulina cultures grown outdoors at 25°C (i.e. 10°C below optimum for growth) and 0.44 g L−1, reached 30% at the middle of the day. At the same time of the day thedF/F′ m ratio showed a reduction of up to 52%. The depression of bothF v/F m anddF/F′ m was lower in the cultures grown at 1.1 g L−1. Photoinhibition reduced the daily productivity of the culture grown at 0.44 g L−1 and 25°C by 33% with respect to that grown at 35°C. Changes in the growth yields of the cultures grown under different temperatures and growth rates correlate well with analogous changes in photon yield (dF/F′ m). Simple measurements of photochemical yield (F v/F m) can be used to test the physiological status ofSpirulina cultures. The results indicate that the saturating pulse fluorescence technique, when usedin situ, is a powerful tool for assessment of the photosynthetic characteristics of outdoor cultures ofSpirulina.

Notes: Abstract The agarophyte Gracilaria cornea, collected over 2.5 y in the Florida Keys, shows adaptations to oceanic salinities and subtropical to tropical water temperatures in its photosynthetic and respiratory responses as measured with a respirometer. No seasonal pattern in responses to irradiance, temperature, and salinity were evident between five collections over a 20-month period, indicating the tropical nature of the populations from Bahia Honda and Pigeon Keys. Concentrations of chlorophyll a (0.09 to 0.41 mg g d wt-1) and phycoerythrin (0.06 to 0.36 mg g d wt- 1) were low and reflect the low nutrient regime of the habitats, especially when compared to laboratory cultured plants. Compensation and saturation irradiances were also low (11–38 and 90–127 μmol photon m-2 s-1), indicating acclimation to lower irradiances in their shallow (1–2 m depth) habitats where turbidity can be high. In comparison with other subtropical and warm temperate species of Gracilaria, G. cornea had lower levels of pigment, but similarly high photosynthetic efficiency, demonstrating shade adaptation; it had only limited tolerance to salinities below 20‰ and temperatures below 15 °C. Thus, G. cornea from the Florida Keys in mariculture would require subtropical to tropical temperatures and stable oceanic salinities.

Notes: Abstract The photon use efficiencies and maximal rates of photosynthesis in Dunaliella salina (Chlorophyta) cultures acclimated to different light intensities were investigated. Batch cultures were grown to the mid-exponential phase under continuous low-light (LL: 100 μmol photon m-2 s-1) or high-light (HL: 2000 μmol photon m-2 s-1) conditions. Under LL, cells were normally pigmented (deep green) containing ∼500 chlorophyll (Chl) molecules per photosystem II (PSII) unit and ∼250 Chl molecules per photosystem I (PSI). HL-grown cells were yellow-green, contained only 60 Chl per PSII and 100 Chl per PSI and showed signs of chronic photoinhibition, i.e., accumulation of photodamaged PSII reaction centers in the chloroplast thylakoids. In LL-grown cells, photosynthesis saturated at ∼200 μmol photon m-2 s-1 with a rate (Pmax) of ∼100 mmol O2 (mol Chl)-1 s-1. In HL-grown cells, photosynthesis saturated at much higher light intensities, i.e. ∼2500 μmol photon m-2 s-1, and exhibited a three-fold higher Pmax (∼300 mmol O2 (mol Chl)-1 s-1) than the normally pigmented LL-grown cells. Recovery of the HL-grown cells from photoinhibition, occurring prior to a light-harvesting Chl antenna size increase, enhanced Pmax to ∼675 mmol O2 (mol Chl)-1 s-1. Extrapolation of these results to outdoor mass culture conditions suggested that algal strains with small Chl antenna size could exhibit 2–3 times higher productivities than currently achieved with normally pigmented cells.

Notes: Abstract The green flagellate Euglena gracilis has been used as a model organism to elucidate the possible large-scale and short-term effects of waste substances from the pulp and paper industry on photosynthetic efficiency (PE). Different concentrations of waste substances before and after treatment in a cleaning system were studied. The uncleaned sample at concentrations up to 1:10 and the cleaned sample at concentrations up to 1:5 showed stimulating effects on the PE after 7 days of incubation compared to the control. The effects of waste substances on the PE of E. gracilis were also studied in combination with short-term studies (20 and 40 min) of ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B, 280–320 nm). It was shown that increasing concentrations of the uncleaned sample had continuously stimulating effects on the PE and worked protectively against UV-B radiation. The cleaned sample exhibited no effects, or negative effects, on the PE of E. gracilis together with UV-B radiation compared to the experiments with only UV-B radiation. At the concentration 1:1 of the cleaned sample an increase in the PE was detected due to the high concentration of the coloured substances and a decrease in the UV-B penetration. PE revealed itself to be highly sensitive for detecting toxic effects on E. gracilis and is thus very promising for use in regular toxicity tests of waste water from pulp and paper industry.

Notes: Abstract PS II photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) of Nostoc flagelliforme was examined after rewetting in order to investigate the light-dependency of its photosynthetic recovery. Fv/Fm was not detected in the dark, but was immediately recognized in the light. Different levels of light irradiation (4, 40 and 400 µmol photon m2 s-1) displayed different effects on the recovery process of photosynthesis. The intermediate level led to the best recovery of photochemical efficiency; the low light required longer and the high light inhibited the extent of the recovered efficiency. It was concluded that the photosynthetic recovery of N. flagelliforme is both light-dependent and influenced by photon flux density.

Notes: Abstract Physiological and biochemical changes in relation to inorganic nitrogen availability were studied for tank-cultivated Ulva rigida grown under nitrogen- enriched and nitrogen-depleted seawater. U. rigida was initially cultivated in nitrogen-enriched seawater (daily concentrations of NH4+ and NO3- + NO2- ranged between 0.5–1.7 and 0.06–0.15 mg L-1, respectively), then transferred to nitrogen-depleted seawater where photosynthetic capacity decreased to zero after 23 d. At the time (14 d) when photosynthetic rates were lower than 2.0 μmol O2 g-1 FW min-1 and strong bleaching had occurred, some algae were returned to the initial nitrogen-enriched seawater to study recovery from N-limited growth. Data on biochemical composition (chlorophylls, ash, caloric content, fatty acids and dietary fibres) and colouration varied significantly depending on the nitrogen conditions. C:N ratios correlated significantly with biochemical parameters. Fatty acid (FA) synthesis continued during the N-starvation period; saturated and mono-unsaturated FA increased to a maximun of 72.2%, while poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) decreased to 27.7%. During the N-enriched recovery period, the reverse was found. C:N ratios above 10 correlated with carbohydrate synthesis as shown by the dietary fibre level. Under nitrogen enriched conditions, C:N ratios decreased along with a decrease in fibre level. Under controlled conditions, nitrogen represents a major influence on the development of intensive tank cultivation of Ulva rigida, not only by affecting parameters closely related to nitrogen metabolism but also some clearly influenced by carbon uptake.

Notes: Abstract The selective effect of DCMU on photosynthetic activity and growth rate was examined in several marine unicellular algae:Nannochloropsis sp. (Eustigmatohyceae),Dunaliella salina (Chlorophyceae)Isochrysis galbana (Prymnesiophyceae) andChaetoceros sp. (Bacillariophyceae). DCMU at 10−7 M caused an immediate decrease in the photosynthetic rate ofDunaliella andIsochrysis (about 50% inhibition), whereas 10−6 M imposed 80% inhibition in the photosynthetic rate ofChaetoceros. InNannochloropsis the rate was affected only when DCMU concentration exceeded 10−6M. Cellular growth rate of all studied algae was affected by DCMU in a similar manner to photosynthesis. The differential effect of DCMU was further examined in mixed cultures in whichNannochloropsis was cultivated together with an additional species simulating a contamination situation of aNannochloropsis culture. When DCMU was added at concentrations higher than 10−7 M, the growth of the competing algae significantly decreased, whileNannochloropsis maintained a relatively high growth rate. Consequently, after a growth period of 4 to 7 days a clear domination ofNannochloropsis was observed. These results demonstrate that DCMU and probably other herbicides of similar characteristics can be used effectively as a selective tool to suppress contaminating unicellular algae in open ponds in order to maintain a monoculture ofNannochloropsis.

Notes: Abstract The response ofSpirulina platensis cells to salinity stress was studied. Once adapted to the higher osmoticum, photosynthetic parameters such as the maximum rate of photosynthesis under saturating irradiance (Pmax) and the initial slope of the P-I curve (α) are reduced by 15% and 25% in 0.5 M NaCl grown cells, respectively. Salt-adapted cells have a modified biochemical composition; reduced protein and chlorophyll content, and an increased level of carbohydrates. The reduction in the photosynthetic capacity of the salt-adaptedSpirulina cells reflects a lower ability to utilize light energy and results in an increase in the susceptibility of the stressed cells to photoinhibition. This conclusion is supported by the finding that cultures exposed to salt stress show not only a decrease in growth rate (μ), but lose the ability to respond to increased irradiance with an increase in growth. The use of variable fluorescence as a fast and reliable measurement to follow the changes in PSII of salt-stressesSpirulina cells enables following the early events of salinity shock. It indicates that as soon as the cells are exposed to salt, a protection mechanism is induced. This mechanism does not require any protein synthesis and may take place even in the dark, though at somewhat reduced effectiveness. The significance of the result in providing a better understanding of the interaction between two environmental stresses — light and salinity — and their application in the outdoor mass cultivation ofSpirulina are discussed.

Notes: Abstract Photosynthetic (oxygen evolution) and growth (biomass increase) responses to ambient pH and inorganic carbon (Ci) supply were determined for Porphyralinearis grown in 0.5 L glass cylinders in the laboratory, or in 40 L fibreglass outdoor tanks with running seawater. While net photosynthetic rates were uniform at pH 6.0–8.0, dropping only at pH 8.7, growth rates were significantly affected by pH levels other than that of seawater (c. pH 8.3). In glass cylinders, weekly growth rates averaged 76% at external pH 8.0, 13% at pH 8.7 and 26% at pH 7.0. Photosynthetic O2 evolution on a daily basis(i.e. total O2 evolved during day time less total O2 consumed during night time) was similar to the growth responses at all experimental pH levels, apparently due to high dark respiration rates measured at acidic pH. Weekly growth rates averaged 53% in algae grown in fibreglass tanks aerated with regular air (360 mg L-1 CO2) and 28% in algae grown in tanks aerated with CO2-enriched air (750 mg L-1 CO2). The pH of the seawater medium in which P. linear is was grown increased slightly during the day and only rarely reached 9.0. The pH at the boundary layer of algae submerged in seawater increased in response to light reaching, about pH 8.9 within minutes, or remained unchanged for algae submerged in a CO2-free artificial sea water medium. Photosynthesis of P. linearissaturated at Ci concentrations of seawater (K0.5560 μM at pH 8.2) and showed low photosynthetic affinity for CO2(K0.5 61 μM) at pH 6.0. It is therefore concluded that P. linearisuses primarily CO2 with HCO3 - being an alternative source of Ci for photosynthesis. Its fast growth could be related to the enzyme carbonic anhydrase whose activity was detected intra- and extracellularly.

Notes: Abstract Photosynthesis and cell composition of Porphyraleucosticta discs grown at low (〈 0.0001% in air), current (control) and high (1% CO2 in air)inorganic carbon (Ci) concentrations were analyzed. Carbohydrate content in discs grown at high Ci increased (15.1 mg g-1 FW) with respect to the control (6.4 mg g FW-1), whereas soluble protein content decreased to one-third (5.6 to2.1 mg g-1 FW). Carbohydrate content was unaffected and soluble protein slightly increased in discs grown at low Ci. As a consequence of these changes, a lower C/N molar ratio (8.6) was found in the discs grown at low compared to high Ci(12.4). Nitrate reductase activity increased at high Ci from 0.3 ± 0.2 to 1.7 ± 0.4 μmolNO2 - g-1 FW h-1indicating that reduction and assimilation of nitrate were uncoupled. The response of photosynthesis to increasing irradiance, estimated from O2evolution vs. irradiance curves, was affected by the treatments. Maximum quantum yield (Φ O2°) and effective quantum yield (Φ O2) at 150 μmol photon m-2s-1 decreased by 20% and 50%, respectively, at low Ci. These differences could be due to changes in photosynthetic electron flow between PSII and PSI. Treatments also produced changes in maximal (Fv/Fm) and effective (ΔF/Fm′)quantum yield for photosystem II charge separation.

Notes: Abstract The influence of different light qualities on the photosynthetic rate, dark respiration, intracellular carbon and nitrogen content, and accumulation of photosynthetic pigments and cell-wall polysaccharides during short-term incubation (5 h) of the red algaGelidium sesquipedale was investigated. The same photon irradiance of 50μmol m−2 s−2 below the light saturation point of photosynthesis was applied in each case. Blue light stimulated photosynthesis, dark respiration and the accumulation of chlorophyll and biliproteins, phycoerythrin in particular. The accumulation of internal carbon and nitrogen was greater under blue light than under the other light qualities. In contrast, the percentage of cell-wall polysaccharides was higher in red light. The content of cell-wall polysaccharides decreased during the time of incubation in all light treatments except in red light. The action of a non-photosynthetic photoreceptor in the control of cell-wall polysaccharide synthesis is suggested because the accumulation of cell-wall polysaccharides was not correlated with net photosynthesis in contrast to what occurred with carbon, chlorophyll and phycoerythrin accumulation.

Notes: Abstract Three isolates ofSpirulina platensis (Norst) Geitler marked BP, P4P and Z19/2 were compared with respect to their response and acclimation capability to high photon flux densities (HPFD). Cultures exposed to HPFD (1500–3500 μmol photon m−2 s−1) exhibited a marked decrease in light-dependent O2 evolution rate. P4P was more sensitive to HPFD than the two other isolates. All three isolates recovered from photoinhibition when placed under low PFD. The BP isolate was able to recover also in the dark but to a lower extent and at a lower rate, while no recovery was observed in the other two isolates under dark conditions. No recovery was observed when protein synthesis was inhibited using chloramphenicol. Cultures grown at 200 μmol photon m−2 s−1 differed from cultures grown at 120 μmol photon m 2 s-1 by their lower maximal photosynthetic rate (P max ) and higher light saturation (I k ) value, while being more resistant to HPFD stress. The ability ofSpirulina isolates to acclimate and withstand HPFD may provide useful information for the selection of strains useful for outdoor mass cultivation.

Notes: Abstract The red seaweed agarophyte, Gelidiella acerosa (Forsskål) (Feldmann& Hamel) was collected from tidepools, high intertidal rocks. and shallow subtidal are as along a reef flat in Ilocos Norte, northern Philippines. The three populations were compared during the summer (dry) and rainy (wet) seasons to determine changes in morphology and photoacclimation capacity as possible use in mariculture. During summer months (February toApril) after exposure to environmental extremes (i.e. the highest percent of minus tides during daylight, high light regimes, desiccation, and solar bleaching), the populations differed in their morphologies and responses to increasing irradiance levels (P–I curve). Tidepool plants were the tallest, bushiest, and with increased diameter of cortical cells; while,high intertidal plants were the shortest, with sparse branching pattern and decreased diameter of cortical cells. Although their saturation irradiances indicated shade tolerance (Ik = 52 − 112 µmol photon m -2 s-1). their differential light saturation curves (P-I curves) suggested a capacity to acclimate to ambient light regimes. For example, plants from the high intertidal zone showed higher photosynthetic rates and saturation irradiances, slightly lower initial slopes of the P-I curves and levels of light harvesting accessory pigments, rphycoerhythrin (R-PE) and rphycocyanin (R-PC), after being exposed to higher light regimes. In contrast, plants from tidepools and shallow subtidal areas had lower photosynthetic rates and saturation irradiances, slightly steeper initial slopes of the P-I curves and levels of R-PE and R-PC, having been exposed to lower light regimes. During the rainy months (June to November) no significant responses in these parameters were recorded. Comparison of the P-I responses of vegetative and tetrasporic plants showed these to vary with season. The data suggest that when plants became reproductive their physiological fitness either was unchanged or slightly enhanced. These results indicate that all three populations of G. acerosa could be used as seed stock for mariculture.

Notes: Abstract The effects of light-harvesting pigments (LHP) inmicroalgal cells on photosynthetic activity in adense cell suspension were examined. The results suggest that a lower LHP content should result in higher photosynthetic productivity under high light intensity. The idea was first proposed by Lien and San Pietro in 1975 that photosynthesis could be improved by reducing the LHP content in microalgal cells, but this has not been demonstrated in detail. Experiments to evaluate the idea were conducted with Synechocystis PCC6714 and Chlorellapyrenoidosa. In the experiments with PCC 6714, photosynthesis of a phycocyanin-deficient mutant was compared with that of the wild type. In the experiments with C. pyrenoidosa, the LHP content was controlled by the light intensity in the algalculture. The maximum photosynthetic activity was 20–30% higher in the dense suspension of cells having a lower LHP content with both organisms. These results indicate that the idea of reducing the LHP contentcould be applicable to a wide variety of photosynthetic organisms.

Notes: Abstract Photosynthesis-light response curves of Gelidium sesquipedale from the west coast of Portugal (Cape Espichel) were determined at four different depths, 3, 10, 15 and 22 m. Data acquisition using chlorophyll a fluorescence methodology and oxygen electrode measurements were compared. Response curves were determined over an increasing range of irradiance values (I), from darkness to 900 μmol photon m-2 s-1 PAR. In general, light response curves obtained for G. sesquipedale showed a similar pattern whether determined by the chlorophyll fluorescence method or by oxygen evolution. The photosynthetic capacity of G. sesquipedale decreased with depth, as expected, revealing a ‘sun’ and ‘shade’ acclimation pattern, between shallow and deeper waters.

Notes: Abstract Photoinhibition and recovery kinetics after short exposure to solar radiation following three different irradiance treatments of irradiances (PAR, PAR+UVA and PAR+UVA+UVB) was assessed in two intertidal species of the genus Gelidium, Gelidium sesquipedale and G. latifolium, collected from Tarifa (southern Spain) using in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence (PAM fluorometry). After 3 h UV radiation exposure, optimal quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm) in G. sesquipedale decreased between 25 and 35% relative to the control. Under PAR alone, values decreased to 60%. In G. latifolium, photoinhibition did not exceed 40%. Similar results were found for the effective quantum yield (ΔF/Fm′), however, no marked differences in relation to light treatments were seen. When plants were shaded for recovery from stress, only in G. latifolium a significant increase in photosynthesis was observed (between 80 and 100% of control). In contrast, photosynthesis of G. sesquipedale suffered a chronic photoinhibition or photodamage under the three light irradiances. Full solar radiation (PAR+UVA+UVB) affected also the electron transport rate in both species. Here, initial slopes of electron transport vs. irradiance curves decreased up to 60% of controls. Although the recovery kinetic under PAR+UVA+UVB conditions was delayed in G. latifolium, after 24 h recovery this species reached significantly higher than G. sesquipedale. PAR impaired electron trasport only in G. sesquipedale. Overall, both species are characterized by different capacity to tolerate enhanced solar radiation. G. latifolium is a sun adapted plant, well suited to intertidal light conditions, whereas G. sesquipedale, growing at shaded sites in the intertidal zone, is more vulnerable to enhanced UV radiation.

Notes: Abstract Short-term 14C-fixation (4 h) Selenastrum capricornutum algal toxicity tests were conducted with Cd (n=8), Zn (n=9) and suspended sediment aqueous elutriates (n=28) and the results were compared to those obtained in a 48 h population growth test. In order to provide more realistic experimental conditions, toxicity tests were carried out in prefiltered nutrient-spiked Lake Geneva water. The population growth inhibition test was significantly more sensitive than the14 C-fixation test for Cd (median EC50-4h and EC50-48h values of 600 and 118 µg L-1, respectively) whereas no significant difference was measured for Zn toxicity (median EC50-4h and EC50-48h values of 97 and 96 µg L-1, respectively). With suspended sediment aqueous elutriates, the relative sensitivity of the two different end points is sample dependent, with ratios of the EC25 for the14 C-fixation: population growth test ranging from 〈0.26 to 〉53.3. Elutriate toxicity shows no apparent relationship between the acute and chronic test, indicating that population growth inhibition cannot be derived directly or predicted from14 C-fixation. Both tests with their specific advantages and limitations provide valuable complementary information to measure the impact of single toxicants or complex mixtures on aquatic plants.

Notes: Abstract The effects on photoinhibition of light-harvesting pigments in microalgal cells were examined using the wild type and a phycocyanin- deficient mutant (PD-1) of Synechosystis PCC 6714. Mutant PD-1 showed higher resistance to high light than the wild type in terms of the decline of photosynthetic activity at any light intensity and with various cell densities. This suggests that the loss of productivity induced by high light intensity would be improved by reducing the content of light-harvesting pigments.

Notes: Abstract Due to their rapid growth and nutrient assimilation,Porphyra spp. are good candidates for bioremediation and polyculture. The production potential of two strains of P. purpurea and P. umbilicalis from north-east USA was evaluated by measuring rates of photosynthesis (as O2evolution) of material grown at 20 °C. Photosynthetic rates of P. umbilicalis were 80%higher than P. purpurea over the temperature range 5–20 °C, at both sub-saturating andsaturating irradiances (37 and 289 μmol photonm-2 s-1). Porphyra umbilicalis was more efficient at low irradiances (higher α) and had a higher Pmax (23.0 vs 15.6 μmolO2 g-1 DW min-1) than P.purpurea, suggesting that P. umbilicalis is a better choice for mass culture, where self-shading maybe severe.

Notes: Abstract The effects of nutrients on the photosynthetic recovery of Nostoc flagelliforme during re-hydration were investigated in order to see if their addition was necessary. Net photosynthesis was negligible in distilled water without nutrient-enrichment. Addition of K+ resulted in significant enhancement of net photosynthesis, whereas other nutrients (Fe3+, Mg2+, Na+, NO3 -, PO4 3-, Cl-) and trace-metals (A5) showed little effect. The recovered net photosynthetic activity increased with the increased K+, and reached the maximum at concentrations above 230 μM. Desiccation and re-hydration did not affect the dependence of photosynthetic recovery on K+. It was concluded that dried field populations of N. flagelliforme require exogenous addition of potassium for photosynthetic recovery and that growth may be potassium-limited in nature.

Notes: Abstract We examined the effects of UV B radiation on14C-uptake rates and carbon assimilation into the major end-products of photosynthesis of the green algaScenedesmus in the presence and absence of the triazine herbicide simetryn. Experiments were conducted using both a herbicide-susceptible and herbicide-tolerant strains ofScenedesmus. Three different UV-B dose rates were used as well as a light control. The lowest dose rate was almost the same level as in subsurface of ponds and lakes, while the other two were slightly lower and higher than natural sunlight on the surface of ponds and lakes, respectively. Total uptake rates of14C were not reduced by the UV B irradiation alone even at the highest dose rate. However, in the presence of the herbicide, uptake rates were clearly reduced by the highest dose rate of UV-B concomitant with increasing herbicide concentrations in the herbicide-susceptible strain. On the other hand, the proportion of lipid fraction was slightly reduced by all the UV-B treatments in the herbicide-susceptible strain even in the absence of the herbicide. In the herbicide-tolerant strain, uptake rates were not affected by UV-B radiation or by the herbicide. These facts indicated that UV-B effects could be smaller than predicted. It may be important to examine combined effects of UV-B and other anthropogenic and/or natural stresses for assessing actual UV-B effects in the field.

Notes: Abstract We used a device called a Phototron to measure the effects of UV radiation on the cosmopolitan algae, Cryptomonas erosa, grown in continuous cultures. In the Phototron, we investigated changes in photosynthetic parameters (Pmax – specific production rate at optimal light intensity; α – initial slope of the linear portion of the Photosynthesis-Irradiance curve; and θ – the convexity or rate of bending) and carbon allocation as a function of irradiance at three different environmentally-realistic doses of UV radiation in unconditioned (no prior UV exposure) and conditioned algae (15 d previous UV exposure). For unconditioned control algae, Pmax-Total was lower, although not significantly, than the two highest UV treatments. For conditioned control algae, Pmax-Total was higher, although not significantly, than all UV treatments. Our data suggest that short term (4 h) exposure to low levels of UV (8.09 W m−2 unweighted) does not affect Pmax-Total in C. erosa, but does change the proportion of carbon allocated to lipids and proteins. Also, comparisons of lipids, polysaccharides and proteins as a percent of total carbon uptake between unconditioned and conditioned algae indicate that exposure history to UV radiation can have a negative impact on carbon allocation to lipids and proteins, in a wetland alga species that is crucial to the efficient transfer of energy through freshwater food webs.

Notes: Abstract Laboratory and field studies on aphid damage in wheat are described. Both direct and indirect effects of aphids on the behaviour of the crop were studied. In the laboratory a clear effect of honeydew and yeasts on photosynthesis was found. This effect could not be demonstrated under field conditions, since even at yield loss levels of 700 kg ha−1 the size of this effect may be undetectable with crop enclosures reaching an accuracy of 10%. The effect of honeydew on ageing, measured in the laboratory trials was also found in the field and may form a major cause of the yield losses found in the field. Yield losses under field conditions reached 700 kg ha−1 and were for 72% due to direct sucking damage of the 35 aphids, found maximally per culm, and direct and indirect honeydew effects. Saprophytic and possibly also some necrotrophic fungi caused 28% of the yield losses. The exact contribution of each of the damage factors was not revealed but it was demonstrated that direct and indirect effects contribute to the final yield losses.

Notes: Abstract Factors controlling the CO2 system parameters, including the partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2) in coral reef waters, were investigated in three mid-oceanic reefs of the Indo-Pacific region. Surface water PCO2 in the lagoons of Majuro Atoll and Palau barrier reef in the Pacific were 25 µatm and 48 µatm higher than those of the offshore waters, respectively, while South Male Atoll lagoon of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean exhibited relatively small difference in PCO2 compared to the offshore water. Observations from Majuro Atoll and Palau barrier reef are consistent with the view that calcium carbonate production predominates in coral reefs. On the other hand, results from South Male Atoll can be attributed to the thorough flushing of the lagoon, which is connected to the open ocean by numerous deep channels. The offshore-lagoon PCO2 difference depends on system-level net organic-to-inorganic carbon production ratio while reef topography, especially residence time of the lagoon, has a secondary effect on the magnitude of the offshore-lagoon difference. A potential for releasing CO2 might be more evident in an enclosed atoll where the reef water has a longer residence time. Oceanic atoll and barrier reef lagoons, which are in the terminal stage of evolutionary history of oceanic volcanic islands, have the potential to release CO2 to the atmosphere.

Notes: Abstract Continuous measurements of gas exchange characteristics were made on two to nine year old hydroponically grown Avicennia germinans (L.) Stearn, Aegialitis annulata R. Br. and Aegiceras corniculatum (L.) Blanco maintained at 50 or 500 mol m−3 NaCl. In Avicennia germinans and Aegialitis annulata, CO2 assimilation rates were initially higher at 500 mol m−3 NaCl and decreased gradually towards the end of the photoperiod when rates were similar to those at the lower salinity. In Aegiceras corniculatum, assimilation rates were higher at 50 mol m−3 NaCl and about 55% lower at the higher salinity. In all three species, leaf conductance and transpiration exhibited trends similar to those for CO2 assimilation. Intercellular CO2 concentrations were similar at both salinities in Avicennia germinans and Aegialitis annulata, but considerably higher at the lower salinity in Aegiceras corniculatum. Water use efficiencies (WUE), although similar between salinity treatments in Avicennia germinans and Aegialitis annulata, were greater at the higher salinity in Aegiceras corniculatum. Data obtained from CO2 response curves indicated that assimilation at high salinity in Aegiceras corniculatum was limited by conductance, and to a lesser extent, by photosynthetic capacity. In Avicennia germinans and Aegialitis annulata, assimilation was greater at the higher salinity as indicated by increase in both the initial slope and the upper plateau of the CO2 response data. Greater assimilation at high salinity in Avicennia germinans and Aegialitis annulata may be attributed to lower carbon losses via photorespiration and to efficient salt excretion and sequestration.

Notes: Abstract The photosynthetic response to irradiance wasquantified for phytoplankton from the tidalfreshwater Potomac River biweekly to monthly over aperiod of six years. Samples were collected from twoshallow embayments and portions of the deeper rivermainstem. Photosynthetic rate was measured in thelaboratory at in situ temperature over a range ofirradiance levels and photosynthetic parameters werecalculated using nonlinear regression.PB max,the maximum photosynthetic ratestandardized to chlorophyll a, increased withtemperature up to 25 °C with a Q10 of 2.02. Above 25 °C, PB max was essentiallyconstant with temperature. Lesser correlationbetween PB max and ambient irradiance couldbe explained by the correlation of irradiance withtemperature. α, the slope of the P–I curve atlow light, was correlated with both ambientirradiance and temperature. Highest α valueswere found in late summer when high temperature andintermediate ambient irradiance were observed. Spring and early summer were characterized by lowα. Despite low light penetration, Ik andα values were indicative of sun limitationpossibly due to intermittent high light levelsexperienced during mixing. Ik showed a clearseasonal trend directly related to days from summersolstice. Spatial patterns were minimal except thatIk was consistently lower in one shallowembayment than in the other two areas. Seasonalpatterns in photosynthetic parameters correspondedroughly to changes from a spring diatom populationto summer cyanobacterial assemblage.

Notes: Abstract The effect of photon flux density (PFD) on the partitioning of photosynthetically fixed 14CO2-C into major intracellular end products was investigated for three species of freshwater planktonic algae (Nitzschia palea, Monoraphidium minutum and Synechococcus elongatus belonging to three different classes. This study was designed to investigate the phenomenon of polysaccharide synthesis associated with the saturation of protein synthesis and to test if this process is common to all three phytoplankton species. Protein synthesis was saturated at low PFD in all three species of algae studied. However, fixed carbon was differentially stored, namely in lipids in Nitzschia palea (Bacillariophyceae), in polysaccharides in Monoraphidium minutum (Chlorophyceae), and in low molecular weight metabolites (LMW) in Synechococcus elongatus (Cyanophyceae). The results of this transient state study indicate that the metabolic pathways of algae can easily be controlled by different irradiance. Furthermore, it appears that the difference in the patterns of synthesis is taxonomy dependent.

Notes: Abstract A growth inhibition test method was developed using the macroalga Gracilaria tenuistipitata as the test organism. This alga was chosen because of its high laboratory growth rates, commonly 30–40% d−1, which are reached in salinities between 5 and 40‰, and its epiphyte resistance. The toxicity of a number of substances, including heavy metals, herbicides and complex wastewaters towards the alga was assayed. Anti-fouling paints were tested with a modification of the method. EC50 values for heavy metals varied between 0.05 and 17 mg l−1 and for herbicides between 0.002 and 0.02 mg l−l. The sensitivity to the toxicant was generally higher at low salinity. Omitting nitrogen and phosphorus additions to the test medium increased the sensitivity and a semi-static performance was possible with maintained or increased sensitivity. Preliminary tests done with a computerised photosynthesis inhibition method produced promising results. In conclusion, this is a simple, sensitive and reproducible test method for assessing the toxicity of substances, wastewaters and anti-fouling paints in brackish and marine environments.

Notes: Abstract This study was undertaken in summer on fully expanded leaves of Avicennia marina trees in the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve, Durban,South Africa. Data sets were obtained over 5–7 days of relatively dry conditions and over two periods of 5 days during which the swamp was continuously inundated with dilute seawater (〈 150 mol m−3NaCl). Gas exchange responses were strongly influenced by photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), leaf temperature and leaf to air vapour pressure deficit (Δw). Carbon dioxide exchange was saturated at a PPFD of about 800 µmol m−2 s−1. Maximal CO2 exchange rates ranged from 8.5 to 9.9 µmol m−2 s−1 with no differences between drained and waterlogged conditions. Under drained conditions, leaf conductance,transpiration and internal CO2 concentrations were generally lower, and water use efficiencies higher, than during waterlogging. Continuous waterlogging for 5 days had no adverse effect on CO2 exchange. Xylem water potentials ranged from −1.32to −3.53 MPa during drained and from −1.02 to −2.65 Mpa during waterlogged conditions. These results are discussed in relation to anatomical and metabolic adaptations of A. marina to waterlogging stress.

Notes: Abstract An improved cultivation system for Arabidopsis thaliana was developed, allowing advanced biochemical studies in vitro and in vivo of this important model plant. Highly functional Arabidopsis thylakoids were isolated and used to study both basic and regulatory photosynthetic functions with the aim to create a platform for the characterization of mutants deficient in auxiliary proteins. Light-induced proteolytic degradation of the D1 protein could be followed and shown to be a subsequent event to photoinactivation of electron transport. The phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of thylakoid proteins resembled that seen in spinach leaves although phospho-CP43 revealed an unusual regulatory behavior.

Notes: Abstract Cyanobacterial thylakoids catalyze both photosynthetic and respiratory activities. In a photosystem I-less Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 strain, electrons generated by photosystem II appear to be utilized by cytochrome oxidase. To identify the lumenal electron carriers (plastocyanin and/or cytochromes c 553, c 550, and possibly c M) that are involved in transfer of photosystem II-generated electrons to the terminal oxidase, deletion constructs for genes coding for these components were introduced into a photosystem I-less Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 strain, and electron flow out of photosystem II was monitored in resulting strains through chlorophyll fluorescence yields. Loss of cytochrome c 553 or plastocyanin, but not of cytochrome c 550, decreased the rate of electron flow out of photosystem II. Surprisingly, cytochrome c M could not be deleted in a photosystem I-less background strain, and also a double-deletion mutant lacking both plastocyanin and cytochromec 553 could not be obtained. Cytochrome c M has some homology with the cytochrome c-binding regions of the cytochromecaa3 -type cytochrome oxidase from Bacillus spp. and Thermus thermophilus. We suggest that cytochrome c M is a component of cytochrome oxidase in cyanobacteria that serves as redox intermediate between soluble electron carriers and the cytochromeaa3 complex, and that either plastocyanin or cytochrome c 553 can shuttle electrons from the cytochrome b6f complex to cytochrome c M.