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 ofleaves 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.
