Effect of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate on photosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana

ABSTRACTIonic liquids (ILs) are a promising alternative to the traditional organic solvents, but their toxic effects cause significant adverse environmental effects and their toxicity assessment have been suggested. The effect of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF4]) on photosynthesis was studied in Arabidopsis thaliana. Apparent effects on chlorosis and inhibition of photosynthetic capacity were observed. As [Bmim][BF4] concentrations increased, a time-dose effect was also observed. The maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), and the actual quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII), both decreased; at the same time, the expression of psbA, a key gene of the photosystem II electron transport, was reduced by [Bmim][BF4] treatment. The synthesis of the large and small subunits of Rubisco were not affected by treatment. On the other hand, Rubisco activase (RCA) was significantly suppressed at the transcriptional level. Our results suggest that photochemistry of PSII as well as Rubisco activation are involved in ILs resistance.Key words: Arabidopsis thaliana; [Bmim][BF4]Chlorophyll fluorescencegene transcript levelDisclaimerAs a service to authors and researchers we are providing this version of an accepted manuscript (AM). Copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proofs will be undertaken on this manuscript before final publication of the Version of Record (VoR). During production and pre-press, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal relate to these versions also. Author contributionsLu Gao, Charles Obinwanne Okoye, and Guizhu Wu designed the study, performed the experiments, and wrote the article. Yanfang Wu and Jianxiong Jiang supervised the study. Daolin Du and Yonglai Xue conceived the study, reviewed and edited the manuscript. All authors read and approved the manuscript.AcknowledgmentsThis work was supported by the Key Research and Development Program of Zhenjiang City (SH20222011), and the Startup Support from Jiangsu University (13JDB017).