Photosynthesis research in Italy: a review

Abstract

This historical review was compiled and edited by Giorgio Forti, whereas the other authors of the different sections are listed alphabetically after his name, below the title of the paper; they are also listed in the individual sections. This review deals with the research on photosynthesis performed in several Italian laboratories during the last 50 years; it includes research done, in collaboration, at several international laboratories, particularly USA, UK, Switzerland, Hungary, Germany, France, Finland, Denmark, and Austria. Wherever pertinent, references are provided, especially to other historical papers in Govindjee et al. [Govindjee, Beatty JT, Gest H, Allen JF (eds) (2005) Discoveries in Photosynthesis. Springer, Dordrecht]. This paper covers the physical and chemical events starting with the absorption of a quantum of light by a pigment molecule to the conversion of the radiation energy into the stable chemical forms of the reducing power and of ATP. It describes the work done on the structure, function and regulation of the photosynthetic apparatus in higher plants, unicellular algae and in photosynthetic bacteria. Phenomena such as photoinhibition and the protection from it are also included. Research in biophysics of photosynthesis in Padova (Italy) is discussed by G.M. Giacometti and G. Giacometti (2006).

Twenty years of biophysics of photosynthesis in Padova, Italy (1984–2005): A tale of two brothers

“…Actually a collaboration with Mario Orsenigo and his group never took off; however, it was on that occasion that GMG first met Roberto Bassi who had just been given a research position in the Institute of Botany headed by Mario. Soon a collaboration started since Bassi was interested in the description of the photosynthetic apparatus at molecular level and already had some experience, mainly in electron microscopy (see Forti et al 2006 for Bassi's contributions).…”

“…However, also with the help of a younger scientist, Roberto Barbato, who had just obtained his degree in Biology, a laboratory was set up in the new Biology Building which was still to be completed and was expected to bring all the biologists together in a single place (Fig. 5), (see Forti et al 2006, for Barbato's contributions). The ability of the two Robertos (Bassi and Barbato) in separating the chlorophyll-protein complexes by non denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was growing rapidly and, in short time, the 'green gels' from Padova were recognized by the photosynthetic community among the best obtainable.…”

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: non‐photochemical quenching mutants and the effect of photosynthetic inhibitors on the slow chlorophyll fluorescence transient

“…DCMU blocks electron flow; nevertheless, cyclic electron flow still occurs (Joliot et al , 2006) and the plastoquinone pool may be reduced through chlororespiration (Bennoun, 1982). Thus, state transitions and NPQ may continue to occur (Forti et al , 2006). Although nigericin decreases the proton gradient, consequently decreasing NPQ, both the state transitions and NPQ may continue to some extent.…”

“…It has been shown that cyclic electron flow exists in vivo (Joliot et al , 2006) and produces ATP (Majeran et al , 2001). The decreasing intensities and lifetimes in the presence of DCMU at ‘Hi’ light intensity could be due to either NPQ (Gilmore et al , 1998) or ‘state transitions’ (Forti et al , 2006), or both.…”