INVOLVEMENT OF PHYTOCHROME-MEDIATED CYCLIC-AMP IN THE SYNTHESIS AND DEPOSITION OF FUMARPROTOCETRARIC ACID ON CORTICAL HYPHAE OF CLADONIA-VERTICILLARIS

Many lichen species accumulate cortical phenolics as a response to light. Cladonia verticillaris contains fumarprotocetraric acid which moves from the medulla to the cortex as a response to rehydration. This response is strongly enhanced by red light or by a supply of exogenous cyclic AMP. The primary action of red light seems to be to increase endogenous cyclic AMP production. Both effects are reversed by far-red following red light. Thus, involvement of phytochrome in the cortical deposition of phenolics promoted by light can be confirmed. The increase in the amount of cortical phenols is also in part due to new synthesis of fumarprotocetraric acid started by cortical esterase.