Photosynthetic Apparatus of Hylocomium Brilliant Moss Resistant to Extreme Low Temperatures

Abstract

The influence of positive and negative temperatures, as well as dehydration/rehydration on the maximum photochemical efficiency, the electron transfer rate in photosystem II, and non-photochemical moss quenching of Hylocomium splendens, which is widespread in the boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere, is shown. It was found that this moss is resistant to low (–20 and –80°C) temperatures and significant water losses. On the contrary, in the hydrated state, it is unstable to prolonged exposure to positive temperatures (40°C). High resistance to low temperatures and dehydration allowed H. splendens to successfully adapt to growing in northern latitudes and occupy a vast area.