PROTECTION OF PHOTOSYSTEM-II COMPLEX FROM STRONG VISIBLE-LIGHT AND HIGH-TEMPERATURE STRESS IN AQUEOUS DISPERSIONS OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINES

Dispersion of photosystem II (PS II) complex with phosphatidylcholines resulted in protection of strong light- and high temperature-induced inhibition of photosynthetic electron transport activity and variable chlorophyl fluorescence. Dispersion of the PS II complex with phosphat idylcholines with longer fatty acyl chains provided a greater extent o f protection which indicates an interaction of the PS II components wi th the hydrophobic core of the lipid bilayer. This interaction might p lay an important role in the regulation of PS II photochemistry and de termination of susceptibility of the PS II complex to environmental st ress.