Analysis of the Prompt Fluorescence Induction by Means of Computer Simulation of the Primary Photosynthetic Reactions

The induction phenomenon of prompt fluorescence of the photosynthetic system in green plants reflects the adaptation of the electron transport system from a dark adapted state to a steady state under light condition. The appearance of the P-peak in the prompt fluorescence induction curve is explained by the decay of the electrochemical gradient across the thylakoid membrane in the dark. The decay of the electrochemical gradient in the dark is calculated using measured fluorescence induction curves with different times of dark adaptation. The influence of photophosphorylation inhibitors is discussed and the threshold effect of ATP-formation depending on the electrochemical gradient is explained by the coupling of the ATP-formation with the electron transport in the thylakoid membrane.