Inhibition of photosynthesis by heavy metals

Abstract

Inhibition of photosynthesis by heavy metals is well documented. In this review the results are compared between in vitro experiments on isolated systems (chloroplasts, enzymes -.), experiments on excised leaves and intact plants and algae in vivo. In vitro experiments suggest potential sites of heavy metal interaction with photosynthesis at several levels of organisation, which are not necessarily confirmed in vivo. Analytical data on subcellular heavy metal level are generally missing to discuss their mechanism of action in the intact organism. In the field factors such as soil characteristics and air pollution have to be taken into account for assessing the mechanism of action of heavy metals on photosynthesis in plants, growing in a polluted erea.