Structure of the Red Fluorescence Band in Chloroplasts

Abstract

Using Weber's method of "matrix analysis" for the estimation of the number of fluorescent species contributing to the emission of a sample, it is shown that the fluorescence(1) band in spinach chloroplast fragments at room temperature originates in two species of chlorophyll a. Emission spectra obtained upon excitation with different wavelengths of light (preferentially absorbed in chlorophyll a or b) are presented. Upon cooling to - 196 degrees C, the fluorescence efficiency increases about twentyfold. Two additional bands, that now appear at 696 and 735 mmicro, suggest the participation of four molecular species. Emission spectra observed at different concentrations of chloroplast fragments with excitation in chlorophyll a and b and excitation spectra for different concentrations of chloroplast fragments and measurements at 685 and 760 mmicro are presented. Two of the four emission bands may belong to pigment system I and two to system II. The 685, 696, and 738 mmicro bands respond differently to temperature changes. In the -196 degrees C to -150 degrees C range, the intensity of the 685 mmicro band remains constant, and that of the 696 mmicro band decreases twice as fast as that of the 738 mmicro band.