The initial uptake of CO? by photosynthetically active tissue after the transition from dark to light is investigated. It is suggested that this phenomenon is caused by a shift in the pH of the cell medium toward alkalinity which is due to the formation of energy-rich phosphates in the light. I should like to thank Dr. R. van der Veen and Dr. J. S. G. Wessels for their interest in this work and for many stimulating discussions, and to Mr. R. Ockerse and Mr. H. Smit for technical assistance.