Light Fluctuations and Photosynthesis

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Abstract
The effects of fluctuating light on photosynthesis are examined. A simple model of leaf photosynthesis is used so that the analysis can be presented in explicit terms, the time-dependent problem is solved, and the response of photosynthesis to step changes in light-flux density is calculated. The presence of light fluctuations can cause a discrepancy between measurements and estimates of photosynthesis; the relevant factors are the response time of the device used for measuring light-flux density, the response time of the photosynthetic system in the leaf, and the steady-state light response curve with the degree of non-linearity and the value of the light-flux density for maximum photosynthesis being especially important. Some general methods for estimating practically the effects of light fluctuations on photosynthesis are described. The use of the methods of time-series analysis in such problems is discussed.

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