Effect of light stress on maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II and chloroplast structure in cryptogams Cladonia mitis and Pleurozium schreberi

Abstract

Earlier beliefs suggested that lichens thrived in open and warm environments, whereas mosses prefer shaded places with high humidity. However, excessive light can be a stress factor for both lichens and bryophytes, as it can damage their photosynthetic apparatus, particularly the chlorophyll pigments located in the chloroplasts. The measurement of photosynthetic activity and the use of fluorescence microscopy allows the assessment of the influence of light as a stress factor on the state of preservation of the thallus. The main goal of our research was to determine the changes that occur in the photosynthetic activity and structure of chloroplasts of selected species lichen Cladonia mitis (Sandst.) and moss Pleurozium schreberi (Willd. Ex Brid.) under the influence of different intensity of light in laboratory conditions: FL − 100% light, RL − 30% maximum light, and NL - natural sunlight. The results of the two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests showed a variation in the activities of the selected species over time depending on the amount of light energy supplied. The results showed that Cladonia mitis showed the lowest level of chloroplast fluorescence in the strongest and reduced light, which coincides with its low level of photosynthetic activity. The moss showed high and intense fluorescent activity of the chloroplasts, indicating their much higher resistance to light radiation.