Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences Paper

HIGH TEMPERATURE INDUCED ALTERATIONS IN THYLAKOID MEMBRANE PHOTOFUNCTIONS OF WHEAT PRIMARY LEAVES

K. RAM PRASAD AND P. KIRAN MAYI

Abstract

In the present study the effect of high temperature has been studied on the thylakoid photochemical activity and alterations in the membrane organization of wheat primary leaves. The results clearly indicated that high temperature caused inhibition of photosystem II catalyzed electron transport activities and enhancement of photosystem I catalyzed electron transport activities in wheat thylakoids. The reason for the inhibition of photosystem II activity is alteration at the level of water oxidation complex. In addition high temperature caused an increase in the lipid peroxidation of thylakoid membrane which can be minimized if the ascorbate is present during high temperature treatment.