Growth of Chara Hispida: II. Shade Adaptation

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Abstract
(1) Relations between photosynthetic pigment content, photosynthetic activity and depth of occurrence were analysed for Chara hispida from a flooded quarry. (2) In general, for a given depth, the pigment content per unit dry or fresh weight decreased in the order apices, lateral branchlets, upper internodal cells, lower internodal cells. (3) Rates of net photosynthesis showed a close correlation with photosynthetic pigment concentration. Low pigment concentration and rates of net photosynthesis in the lower parts of the plant are attributed to cell breakdown. (4) Effects of depth on pigment concentration were most marked in apices and lateral branchlets, with significant chlorophyll concentration increases, and decreases in the chlorophyll a to chlorophyll b quotient in the deepest-growing plants. The rate of net photosynthesis at light saturation expressed per unit fresh weight and chlorophyll a was lower in apices from deeper sampling sites, as was the light compensation point.

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