Micro-algal growth in dim light dilute culture and environmental control of photosynthesis

Abstract

Only the reduced pyridine nucleotide enzyme was found to be effective in the light dependent assimilation of carbon dioxide. This enzyme can not cross the membrane but can be indirectly translocated via metabolite shuttle. Chlophyll responded to additives (various carbon and nitrogenous substances) during growth in dim light and dilute cultures of micro-algae, giving a fairly accurate account of metabolite exchange processes in vitro. The metabolite shuttle is dependent upon transmembrane pH difference. The pH difference across the chloroplast envelope and also that across the thylakoid membrane in the dark is caused by Donnan distribution. The respiratory free energy is negative but the photosynthetic free energy is positive, which, if made negative can be utilised for the synthesis of new cells. The flux of an ion = Driving force X activity X mobility. The actual pH difference is the driving force. Apparently then, from the data collected, it is suggested that the environment controls the process of photosynthesis by osmotic influence, in an aqueous medium or environment, creating order out of disorder relevant to the displacement of ions.