Liquid-phase measurements of photosynthetic oxygen evolution

Abstract

This chapter compares two different techniques for monitoring photosynthetic O 2 production: the widespread Clark-type O 2 electrode and the more sophisticated membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) technique. We describe how a simple membrane inlet for MIMS can be made out of a commercial Clark-type cell, and outline the advantages and drawbacks of the two techniques to guide researchers in deciding which method to use. Protocols and examples are given for measuring O 2 evolution rates and for determining the number of chlorophyll molecules per active photosystem II reaction center.