title: Electrochromism: a useful probe to study algal photosynthesis.
abstract: In photosynthesis, electron transfer along the photosynthetic chain results in a vectorial transfer of protons from the stroma to the lumenal space of the thylakoids. This promotes the generation of an electrochemical proton gradient (Δμ(H)(+)), which comprises a gradient of electric potential (ΔΨ) and of proton concentration (ΔpH). The Δμ(H)(+) has a central role in the photosynthetic process, providing the energy source for ATP synthesis. It is also involved in many regulatory mechanisms. The ΔpH modulates the rate of electron transfer and triggers deexcitation of excess energy within the light harvesting complexes. The ΔΨ is required for metabolite and protein transport across the membranes. Its presence also induces a shift in the absorption spectra of some photosynthetic pigments, resulting in the so-called ElectroChromic Shift (ECS). In this review, we discuss the characteristic features of the ECS, and illustrate possible applications for the study of photosynthetic processes in vivo.
authors.affiliation: UMR 7141, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France. bailleul@biologie.ens.fr
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bailleul
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cardol
authors.forename: Cécile
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Breyton
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Finazzi
mesh_terms: D000064:Acclimatization / Q000528:radiation effects; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D004579:Electron Transport / Q000528:radiation effects; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects; D008027:Light; D010788:Photosynthesis / Q000528:radiation effects