Changes in net photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence and xanthophyll cycle interconversions during freeze-thaw cycles in the Mediterranean moss Leucodon sciuroides

The tolerance to freezing and thawing of Leucodon sciuroides, a moss growing in mountainous areas of the Mediterranean (south-east Spain), was investigated by means of CO2 gas exchange, modulated chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence and pigment analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography. Evidence is presented for freezing-induced decreases in CO2 fixation that enhance non-radiative dissipation of absorbed light energy, a process which protects the photosynthetic apparatus. The photosynthetic apparatus of L. sciuroides remained fully recuperable after freezing, as indicated by the recovery of photosynthetic CO2 fixation and Chl fluorescence parameters to pre-freezing values during thawing. The rapid recovery of photosynthesis activity during thawing in L. sciuroides suggests that this moss is capable of tolerating freeze-thaw cycles in a manner similar to that found at higher latitudes or in the Antarctic. The resistance of the photosynthetic apparatus of this moss to freezing might be achieved, at least partially, through the employment of dissipative pathways, such as non-radiative dissipation of absorbed light energy.