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H Gaffron

Publications and source records attributed to H Gaffron.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1972

The Gas Exchange of Hydrogen-adapted Algae as Followed by Mass Spectrometry.

A mass spectrometer inlet and an oxygen electrode in the same vessel allowed the continuous recording of the gases exchanged (H(2), CO(2), O(2)) by hydrogenase-containing anaerobically adapted Scenedesmus obliquus strain D(3) (Gaffron) and Chlorella fusca Shihira et Krauss (= pyrenoidosa) 211-15. A light intensity which produces more photosynthetic oxygen than the cells can re-reduce to water leads to de-adaptation and the substitution of normal photosynthesis for photoreduction. The sequence of these metabolic events was recorded in a matter of a few minutes. Upon exposure of these adapted algae to light, an evolution of hydrogen lasting up to 60 seconds preceded any other light-dependent gas exchange. In the presence of 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea, this initial hydrogen production was inhibited approximately 50%, pointing to a contribution of electrons by photosystem II. At very low hydrogen tensions (0.1 microliter per milliliter), a balance between light-induced production and absorption of hydrogen was observed in normal, unpoisoned algae. Addition of either glucose or inhibitors of phosphorylation increased the release of hydrogen in the light very considerably. When the light was turned off the algae consumed the remaining amount of hydrogen, only to release it again upon illumination. This reversible hydrogen exchange persisted even when any concomitant carbon dioxide exchange had been abolished.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1968

Photosynthetic units.

Leaf tissues of aurea mutants of tobacco and Lespedeza have been shown to have higher photosynthetic capacity per molecule of chlorophyll, a higher saturation intensity, a simpler lamellar structure, and the same quantum yield as their dark green parents. Here we report on the values of photosynthetic units for both types of plants and some algae. The unit has been assumed to be about as uniform and steady in the plant world as the quantum efficiency. The number on which all theoretical discussions have been based so far is 2400 per O(2) evolved or CO(2) reduced. With dark green plants and algae our determinations of units by means of 40 microsec flashes superimposed on a steady rate of background photosynthesis at 900 ergs cm(-2) sec(-1) of red light yielded mostly numbers between 2000 and 2700. However, the photosynthetic unit turned out to be very variable, even in these objects. In aurea mutants the unit was distinctly smaller, averaging 600 chl/CO(2). By choosing the right combination of colors for flash and background light, units as low as 300 chl/CO(2) or 40 chl/e(-) could be measured consistently. We found five well-defined groups of units composed of multiples of its smallest member. These new findings are discussed in terms of structural entities that double or divide under the influence of far-red light.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed1967

Light metabolism and chloroplast structure in chlorophyll-deficient tobacco mutants.

In tobacco mutants which contain 1/8 to 1/30 of the normal chlorophyll content per leaf area the content of yellow pigments (carotenoids) is also diminished but less in proportion to the chlorophyll content. The pale yellow-green mutant grows and matures provided that light intensity and temperature make up for the chlorophyll deficiency. In most green plants and algae light saturation of photosynthesis is reached between 5000 and 12,000 ergs/sec.cm2. The mutants continue to give higher photosynthetic rates until the incident intensity reaches 50,000 ergs/sec.cm2. While often unable to compensate their respiration at intensities at which the normal green plant approaches saturation, the pale yellow-green leaves are able to provide the mutant plant with two to three times the absolute amount of carbon dioxide assimilation per hour and leaf area at 50,000 ergs/sec.cm2 and 20 degrees to 25 degrees C. These observations are valid for red light lambda > 600 m mu. In blue light lambda < 575 m mu (below saturation levels) the mutants separate into two classes, one in which absorption by some carotenoid enhances the photosynthetic rate and the other in which the absorbing pigments are inactive and therefore depress the rate strongly. The unusual kinetics of photosynthesis in these chlorophyll-deficient tobacco mutants is reflected in the structure of their chloroplasts which we found to be of a kind thus far not described for healthy, normally growing, higher plants.

Carbon Dioxide↗