The photosynthetic response of Nostoc flagelliforme to desiccation and rehydration was investigated. The initial, variable and maximal chlorophyll fluorescence increased from the beginning of desiccation (fully hydrated), reached maxima at a water loss of about 35% and then decreased with further water loss. The area over the fluorescence induction curve reached a maximum at a water loss of about 70%. Pigment contents of chlorophyll a, phycocyanin and allophycocyanin were constant during the photosynthetic recovery phase following rehydration. A fast initial phase of recovery was completed wit...
