Changes in the fluorescence emission spectrum of chlorella emersonii induced by cold treatment; a possible regulative feature of energy uptake

Abstract

Algae, when slowly cooled down to around - 5°C, undergo a change in the fluorescence emission spectrum subsequently taken at liqu. nitrogen temperature. This change resembles the magnesium effect described by Murata [BBA 189, 171 – 181, (1969)] for isolated chloroplasts. Evidence is shown, that both effects are indeed analogous. Cooling the organisms seems to increase the permeability of the thylakoids for cations and, thus, a depletion with concomitant changes in membrane structure. The system serves as a model for the probable in vivo control of pigment interaction through alteration of membrane properties. © 1982, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.