The energy distribution between the photosystems and light-induced changes in the stoichiometry of system I and II reaction centers in the chlorophyll b-containing alga Mantoniella squamata (Prasinophyceae).

The chlorophyll b-containing alga Mantoniella squamata was analyzed with respect to its capacity to balance the energy distribution from the light-harvesting antenna to photosystem I or photosystem II. It was shown, that this alga is unable to alter the absorption cross section of the two photosystems in terms of short-time regulations (state transitions). The energy absorbed by the LHC, which contains 60% of total photosynthetic pigments, is transferred to both photosystems without any preference. The stoichiometry of the two photosystems is found to be extremely unequal and variable during light adaptation. In high light, the molar ratio of P-680 per P-700 is found to be two, whereas under low light conditions this ratio accounts to nearly four. This very unbalanced stoichiometry of the reaction centers gives some new insights into the concept of the photosynthetic unit as well as in the importance of the regulation of the energy distribution. It is assumed that the high concentration of photosystem II can be understood as a mechanism to prevent the overexcitation of photosystem I. In addition, the changes im membrane protein pattern are not accompanied by variations in the ratio of appressed to nonappressed membranes as probed by ultrastructural analysis. It is suggested that the thylakoids are organized like a homogenous pigment bed. The lack of state transitions can be interpreted as a consequence of this unusual membrane morphology.