Photosynthetic Electron Transport Inhibition by Buthidazole

Abstract

The effects of buthidazole {3-[5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]-4-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-imidazolidinone} on the photochemical reactions of isolated pea (Pisum sativumL.) chloroplast thylakoids were analyzed. Buthidazole was found to inhibit electron transport at two distinct sites in the photosynthetic electron transport chain. The major site of inhibition was on the reducing side of photosystem II at the site of diuron [3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea] and atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine] inhibition. Buthidazole also had a secondary site of electron transport inhibition on the oxidizing side of photosystem II. No evidence was found for buthidazole to act as an uncoupler or as an energy transfer inhibitor.