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Abstract Detail


Physiological Section

Griffin-Nolan, Robert [1], Rosen, Benjamin [2], Melcher, Peter [3].

The role of green light in photosynthesis in Bryophytes and higher plants.

The focus of this study was to analyze photosynthetic responses of bryophytes and higher plants. For the Bryophytes we measured these responses when they were grown under a spectrum of green light (peak 523 ± 20 nm) and white light treatments. We studied the response of three bryophyte species (Dicranum spp., Sphagnum spp., and Hypnum spp.) to three light treatments: 20 μmol m-2 s-1 full-spectrum light, 20 μmol m-2 s-1 green light (λmax = 520 nm) and 100 μmol m-2 s-1 full spectrum light all at 20 oC. We found that Bryophytes have photosynthetic plasticity in response to the light treatments with responses being species dependent. For example, Dicranum spp. showed enhanced dark-adapted photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) in response to light level and to light quality (ANOVA, P = 0.002; PS II efficiency determined using a Fluorescence imaging system - cf imager by Technologia™, UK). Assessment of the capacity of tropical and temperate higher plants to use green light in photosynthesis was achieved by measuring photosynthetic responses of plants exposed to variation in light quality and quantity using a Licor-6400 XT. Photosynthetic responses varied greatly in higher plants and were both species dependent and dependent on variation in growing conditions (shade versus sun adapted plants) with shade adapted plants having higher quantum efficiencies in response to green light compared to full-sun adapted plants. The mechanism used by plants to use green light to effectively power photosynthesis in these shade adapted plants is still unclear and under investigation. However, we hypothesize that carotenoids and other xanthophylls and possible protein associates are playing a major role in this process.

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1 - Ithaca College, Biology, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
2 - Ithaca College, Biology, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY, 14850, United States
3 - Ithaca College, Biology, Center for Natural Sciences, Ithaca, New York, 14850, United States

Keywords:
photosynthesis
Bryophytes
Higher taxa
green light .

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Battelle South/Convention Center
Date: Monday, July 9th, 2012
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PPS003
Abstract ID:726


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