The effect of alpha terthienyl on photosynthesis
Alpha terthienyl (α-T), an allelopathic polyacetylene derivative occurring in the Asteraceae, was examined for its photosensitizing effect on respiration in Chlorella and photosynthesis in Chlorella and isolated spinach chloroplasts. In experiments with the Clark electrode, O2 evolution in saturating light with Chlorella was much more sensitive to α-T plus near ultraviolet (UV) treatments than respiration. O2 transients at the onset of illumination as measured with the modulated O2 polarograph were also inhibited by α-T plus near UV. The Hill reaction in uncoupled spinach chloroplasts using ferricyanide as electron acceptor is sensitive to photosensitization with α-T, but electron transport through photosystem I operating on its own showed no decrease in activity. The results are interpreted as an indication of a site of inhibition near photosystem II and possibly in CO2 fixation as well.