Analysis of high temperature stress on the dynamics of antenna size and reducing side heterogeneity of Photosystem II in wheat leaves (Triticum aestivum)

►The effect of high temperature on wheat leaves on the two types of PSII heterogeneity (including α, β, γ and QB-reducing and QB-non-reducing type of heterogeneities) simultaneously has never been explored so extensively till yet. ►Both antenna size and reducing side heterogeneity are greatly affected with increasing temperature. It is concluded that certain environmental stimuli like high temperature stress evoke interconversions of α centers into β and γ centers and the active QB-reducing centers into inactive QB-non-reducing centers. ►The plant adapts to high temperature stress by temporary interconversions of PSII heterogeneity up to temperature of 40 °C. ►The changes in energy flux in response to high temp leads to increased dissipation of energy and untrapped photons which may protect the plant from oxidative stress transiently. ►High temperature stress led to incidental changes in PS II heterogeneity which may be one of the adaptive mechanisms to cope with high temperature stress.