Why a Rewetted Lichen Recovers in Stages

Transcript

If a lichen gets wet again, does photosynthesis restart all at once?

The study’s Cladonia stellaris sample had been dry eleven years.

PSI and PSII are two photosystems, separate light-working parts of photosynthesis.

PSI’s quantum yield, an estimate of photochemical use, recovered rapidly.

PSII’s maximum photochemical efficiency, an estimate of potential efficiency, stayed low during rehydration.

Those readings show different measured recovery, not that the whole lichen fully recovered.

This result describes that sample, not every lichen or condition.

Picture two dials moving at different speeds, not one master switch.