The study shows that both the biochemical and ultrastructural properties of the …

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Biology Articles » Anatomy & Physiology » Physiology, Plant » Vertical Gradient in Photosynthetic Properties of Spinach Chloroplasts Dependent on Intra-Leaf Light Environment

Abstract

- Vertical Gradient in Photosynthetic Properties of Spinach Chloroplasts Dependent on Intra-Leaf Light Environment

SHORT COMMUNICATION

Vertical Gradient in Photosynthetic Properties of Spinach Chloroplasts Dependent on Intra-Leaf Light Environment

Ichiro Terashima^1'2 and Yorinao Inoue³

¹ Laboratory of Ecology, Dcpartmtnt of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113, Japan

³ Solar Energy Research Group, RIKEN Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-01, Japan

A spinach leaf piece was planed into 10 layers parallel with leaf surface. The biochemical and ultrastructural properties of the chloroplasts of these 10 layers were compared. Results showed that both the biochemical and ultrastructural properties of the chloroplasts change gradually and continuously from sun- to shade-type with the depth from the adaxial surface.

Key words: Chlorophyll a/6 ratio — Cyt / — Intra-leaf light environment — RuBPCase — Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) — Ultrastructure