Light-dependent interactions of phenazine methosulfate with 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea-poisoned chloroplasts

The chlorophyll fluorescence of isolated chloroplasts in the presence of phenazine methosulfate (PMS) and 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) can be quenched in a light-depentdent reaction. This phenomenan has been studied and the following observations were made: 1. Quenching occurs under non-phosphorylating conditions and is stimulated by Mg2+ ions. 2. Under the same conditions, a light-dependent, Mg2+ stimulated transient decrease of absorption at change and binding of PMS. Others, such as methylamine, ammonia, gramicidin and nigericin do not. It is suggested that fluorescence quenching, transient absorption change and binding of PMS are casually related. The concept, postulated by others, that a high-energy state of the chloroplast membrane is involved in the fluorescence lowering is questioned.