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Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol. 51, No. 345, pp. 659-668, April 2000
© 2000 Oxford University Press


Review Article

Chlorophyll fluorescence—a practical guide

Kate Maxwell1 and Giles N. Johnson2,3

1 Environmental and Molecular Plant Physiology Laboratory, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, The University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
2 University of Manchester, School of Biological Sciences, 3.614 Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK

Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis has become one of the most powerful and widely used techniques available to plant physiologists and ecophysiologists. This review aims to provide an introduction for the novice into the methodology and applications of chlorophyll fluorescence. After a brief introduction into the theoretical background of the technique, the methodology and some of the technical pitfalls that can be encountered are explained. A selection of examples is then used to illustrate the types of information that fluorescence can provide.

Key words: Chlorophyll fluorescence, electron transport, photoinhibition.


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