O2-dependent inhibition of photosynthetic capacity in intact isolated chloroplasts and isolated cells from spinach leaves illuminated in the absence of CO2.

When isolated intact chloroplasts or cells from spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) leaves are incubated in the light in the absence of CO2, their capacity for subsequent CO2-dependent photosynthetic oxygen evolution is drastically decreased. This inhibition is light and oxygen-dependent and can be prevented by addition of bicarbonate. It is concluded that the normal dissipation of photosynthetic energy by carbon assimilation and in processes related to photorespiration is an essential condition for the physiological stability of illuminated intact chloroplasts and cells.