Measurements of variable chlorophyll fluorescence have revolutionised global research of photosynthetic bacteria, algae and plants and in turn assessment of the status of aquatic ecosystems, a success that has partly been facilitated by the widespread commercialisation of a suite of chlorophyll fluorometers designed for almost every application in lakes, rivers and oceans. Numerous publications have been produced as researchers and assessors have simultaneously sought to optimise protocols and practices for key organisms or water bodies; however, such parallel efforts have led to difficulties in reconciling processes and patterns across the aquatic sciences. This book follows on from the first international conference on “chlorophyll fluorescence in the aquatic sciences” (AQUAFLUO 2007): to bridge the gaps between the concept, measurement and application of chlorophyll fluorescence through the synthesis and integration of current knowledge from leading researchers and assessors as well as instrument manufacturers.

Chlorophyll a Fluorescence: A Signature of Photosynthesis highlights chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence as a convenient, non-invasive, highly sensitive, rapid and quantitative probe of oxygenic photosynthesis. Thirty-one chapters, authored by 58 international experts, provide a solid foundation of the basic theory, as well as of the application of the rich information contained in the Chl a fluorescence signal as it relates to photosynthesis and plant productivity. Although the primary photochemical reactions of photosynthesis are highly efficient, a small fraction of absorbed photons escapes as Chl fluorescence, and this fraction varies with metabolic state, providing a basis for monitoring quantitatively various processes of photosynthesis. The book explains the mechanisms with which plants defend themselves against environmental stresses (excessive light, extreme temperatures, drought, hyper-osmolarity, heavy metals and UV). It also includes discussion on fluorescence imaging of leaves and cells and the remote sensing of Chl fluorescence from terrestrial, airborne, and satellite bases. The book is intended for use by graduate students, beginning researchers and advanced undergraduates in the areas of integrative plant biology, cellular and molecular biology, plant biology, biochemistry, biophysics, plant physiology, global ecology and agriculture.

The Chlorophylls reviews developments in study of chlorophylls, and at the same time summarizes the state of knowledge in the more established areas of the physics, chemistry, and biology of chlorophylls. The book is organized into four sections. The first section deals with the chlorophylls as chemical entities, and treats their isolation, analysis, chemistry, and synthesis. The second concerns chlorophylls in real and colloidal solution and in the solid state in vitro, and includes the effects of aggregation on visible, infrared, and NMR spectral properties. The third section treats the biosynthesis, organization, and properties of chlorophylls in the plant and bacterial cell, and the fourth is concerned with the photochemical and photophysical behavior of chlorophylls in vitro and in vivo. It is hoped that this work will help those investigating selected aspects of chlorophyll to keep abreast of other methods and approaches, and will provide the interested scientist with a modern, conceptually organized treatment of the subject.

The first dedicated new work since 1991, this book reviews recent progress and current studies in the chemistry, metabolism and spectroscopy of chlorophylls, bacteriochlorophylls and their protein complexes. Also discussed is progress on the applications of chlorophylls as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy of cancerous tumours, and as molecular probes in biochemistry, medicine, plant physiology, ecology and geochemistry. Each section offers an introductory overview followed by concise, focused and fully-referenced chapters written by experts.

Since the publication of the first edition in 2002, there has been an explosion of new findings and applications in the field of photobiology. This brand new edition is fully updated, includes new references, and offers five new chapters for a comprehensive look at photobiology. The chapters cover all areas of photobiology, photochemistry, and the relationship between light and biology. The book starts with the physics and chemistry of light and then deals with the evolution of photosynthesis. Four chapters deal with how organisms use light for their orientation in space and time. There are also several medically oriented chapters and two chapters specifically aimed at the photobiology educator.

Natural pigments in biology, natural food colour, biotechnology in na tural food colours, safety of food colorants, chlorophylls and chlorophyll derivatives, haems and bilins, carotenoids, anthocyanins and be talains, less common natural colorant.