Evolution structurale et fonctionnelle de l'appareil photosynthétique des spores de Funaria hygrometrica et de Bryum capillare au cours de leur germination

Abstract

The mature spores of Funaria hygrometrica Hedw. contain proplasts that are transformed into chloroplasts in about 24 h, during germination on an inorganic medium in the light. The formation and aggregation of thylakoids are observed by electron microscopy. Studies on chlorophyll synthesis, CO2 fixation during germination, Hill's reaction (2,6-dichlorophenol–indophenol (DP1P)) by isolated chloroplasts, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signals suggest further correlations between plastid formation and functions.The results on Funaria spores are compared with results on Bryum spores. Mature Bryum capillare Hedw. spores contain chloroplasts that change only slightly during germination. The photosynthetic system of Funaria spores is compared with that of the chloroplasts of Bryum spores.