Glutathione and zeaxanthin formation during high light stress in foliose lichens

In the presented study, we describe techniques for glutathione and pigment determination in lichens used in our laboratory. Glutathione and xanthophyll cycle pigments, especially zeaxanthin, are important antioxidants protecting plants against various stresses. In our laboratory, the high light stress in lichens has been intensively studied for several years. We extract glutathione in HCl and determine it by thiol-binding fluorescence label monobromobimane. For pigment determination, homogenized lichen thalli are extracted with pure acetone. According to our results, the total amount of glutathione decreases after a short-term high light exposure, while the amount of zeaxanthin increases.