Chloroplast Structure under High Light Conditions

Changes of entire chloroplast structure under high light intensity in pea (Pisum sativum) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) plants were investigated. These two plant species were chosen because they have different chlorophyll-protein (CP) complexes organization within thylakoid membranes which determines distinct chloroplast structure. Thylakoid membranes organization was revealed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Arrangement of CP complexes was analyzed by low temperature (120 K) fluorescence emission spectra of thylakoid membranes. Experiments showed that high light induced reorganization of the chloroplast structure was similar in pea and bean but different rearrangements of CP complexes was observed.