Modulating effect of far-red light on activities of alternative electron transport pathways related to photosystem I

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) leaves were irradiated with far-red (FR) light of various intensities after different periods of dark adaptation in order to investigate activities of alternative electron transport pathways related to photosystem I (PSI). Photooxidation of P700, the primary electron donor of PSI, was saturated at FR light intensity of 0.15 mu mol quanta/(m(2) s). As the photon flux density was raised in this range, the slow and middle components in the kinetics of P700(+) dark reduction increased, whereas the fast component remained indiscernible. The amplitudes of the slow and middle components diminished upon further increase of FR photon flux density in the range 0.15-0.35 mu mol quanta/(m(2) s) and remained constant at higher intensities. The fast component of P700(+) reduction was only detected after FR irradiation with intensities above 0.15 mu mol quanta/(m(2) s); the light-response curve for this component was clearly sigmoid. In dark-adapted barley leaves, three stages were distinguished in the kinetics of P700 photooxidation, with the steady state for P700(+) achieved within about 3 min. In leaves predarkened for a short time, the onset of FR irradiation produced a very rapid photooxidation of P700. As the duration of dark exposure was prolonged, the amplitude of the first peak in the kinetic curve of photoinduced P700 photooxidation was diminished and the time for attaining the steady-state oxidation level was shortened. After a brief dark adaptation of leaves, ferredoxin-dependent electron flow did not appreciably contributed to the kinetics of P700(+) dark reduction, whereas the components related to electron donation from stromal reductants were strongly retarded. It is concluded that FR light irradiation, selectively exciting PSI, suffices to modulate activities of alternative electron transport routes; this modulation reflects the depletion of stromal reductants due to continuous efflux of electrons from PSI to oxygen under the action of FR light.