Simulation of a nonphotochemical quenching in plant leaf under different light intensities

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta. Bioenergetics 2020-02, Vol.1861 (2), p.148138-148138, Article 148138
• Main Authors: Sukhova, Ekaterina, Khlopkov, Andrey, Vodeneev, Vladimir, Sukhov, Vladimir
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Damage of photosynthetic apparatus; Fluctuations in light intensity; Light; Models, Biological; Nonphotochemical quenching; Photosynthesis; Photosynthesis - physiology; Photosynthetic active radiation; Pisum sativum - metabolism; Plant Leaves - metabolism; Simulation
• ISSN: 0005-2728; 1879-2650
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2019.148138

An analysis of photosynthetic response on action of stressors is an important problem, which can be solved by experimental and theoretical methods, including mathematical modeling of photosynthetic processes. The aim of our work was elaboration of a mathematical model, which simulated development of a nonphotochemical quenching under different light conditions. We analyzed two variants of the model: the first variant included a light-induced activation of the electron transport chain; in contrast, the second variant did not describe this activation. Both variants of the model described interactions between transitions from open reaction centers to closed ones (and vice versa) and development of the nonphotochemical quenching. Investigation of both variants of the model showed well qualitative and quantitative accordance between simulated and experimental changes in coefficient of the nophotochemical quenching which were analyzed under different light regimes: (i) the stepped increase of the light intensity without dark intervals between steps, (ii) periodical illuminations by different light intensities with constant durations which were separated by constant dark intervals, and (iii) periodical illuminations by the constant light intensity with different durations which were separated by different dark intervals. Thus, the model can be used for theoretical prediction of stress changes in photosynthesis under fluctuations in light intensity and search of optimal regimes of plant illumination. •A mathematical model of qN under different light conditions was proposed.•The qN model includes two variants: with ETC activation under light and without one.•Both variants well quantitatively simulate qN under different light regimes.•Description of ETC activation allows to simulate qN transition after dark adaptation.