Image source: courtesy M. Sailor
Why is it important?
Chlorophyll fluorescence comes from the change in excitation/energy levels of the electrons in the chlorophyll molecule in photosystem II (PS II) as they first gain energy due to the light and then return to their ground energy level. Thus, chlorophyll fluorescence can be used to measure:
- overall photosynthesis rate - PS II processing incident light energy
- light damage as a consequence of malfunctioning PSII (due to some other stress)
- initial signs of stress: the extent and stress tolerance
- carbon fixation as it relates to electron transport