The reduction of artificial electron acceptors at sub-zero temperatures by chloroplasts suspended in fluid media

1. Chloroplasts can be suspended in aqueous/organic mixtures which are liquid at sub-zero temperatures with a good retention of the ability to reduce artificial electron acceptors. The reduction of ferricyanide and 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol at temperatures above 0 degrees C is about 50% inhibited by 50% (v/v) ethylene glycol. Higher concentrations cause more extensive inhibition. 2. Different solvents were compared on the basis of their ability to cause a given depression of the freezing point of an aqueous solution. Ethylene glycol caused less inhibition of electron transport than glycerol, which in turn was found to be superior to methanol. 3. The reduction of oxidised 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine could be measured at -25 degrees C in 40% (v/v) ethylene glycol. Using an acceptor with a high extinction coefficient, methyl purple (a derivative of 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol) it was possible to observe electron flow at temperatures as low as -40 degrees C in 50% (v/v) ethylene glycol. 4. From studies of the effects of the inhibitors 3(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea and 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone it is suggested that electron flow from the donor side of Photosystem II to the acceptor side of Photosystem I can occur at temperatures at least as low as -25 degrees C. The ultimate electron donor is presumably water but it was not possible to demonstrate this directly.