Partitioning of Electrons between the Cytochrome and Alternative Pathways in Intact Roots

To test the hypothesis that the cytochrome pathway is not invariably saturated when the alternative pathway is engaged, we titrated root respiration of several species with KCN (an inhibitor of the cytochrome pathway), both in the absence and presence of an inhibitor of the alternative pathway (salicylhydroxamic acid, SHAM). The slopes of the resultant KCN [rho] plots ([rho]cyt) were then used to determine whether the cytochrome pathway was saturated in each species. The species used were Festuca ovina ssp. ovina L., Phaseolus vulgaris L., and six Poa species (Poa pratensis L., Poa compressa L., Poa trivialis L., Poa alpina L., Poa costiniana Vick., and Poa fawcettiae Vick.). Although the cytochrome pathway was saturated in a number of species (i.e. [rho]cyt values were 1.0), several others exhibited [rho]cyt values of less than 0.5. Alternative pathway capacity correlated negatively with [rho]cyt, with [rho]cyt values of less than 1.0 occurring in tissues in which the alternative pathway capacity was greater than 25 to 30% of total respiration. The species that did not show full engagement of the cytochrome pathway rarely exhibited SHAM inhibition in the absence of KCN. We conclude that this lack of SHAM inhibition is not due to a lack of alternative pathway engagement but rather to the diversion of electrons from the alternative pathway to the unsaturated cytochrome path following the addition of SHAM.     

High thermal acclimation potential of both photosynthesis and respiration in two lowland Plantago species in contrast to an alpine congeneric

Thermal acclimation of photosynthesis and respiration can enable plants to maintain near constant rates of net CO₂ exchange, despite experiencing sustained changes in daily average temperature. In this study, we investigated whether the degree of acclimation of photosynthesis and respiration of mature leaves differs among three congeneric Plantago species from contrasting habitats [two fast‐growing lowland species (Plantago major and P. lanceolata), and one slow‐growing alpine species (P. euryphylla)]. In addition to investigating some mechanisms underpinning variability in photosynthetic acclimation, we also determined whether leaf respiration in the light acclimates to the same extent as leaf respiration in darkness, and whether acclimation reestablishes the balance between leaf respiration and photosynthesis. Three growth temperatures were provided: constant 13, 20, or 27°C. Measurements were made at five temperatures (6–34°C). Little acclimation of photosynthesis and leaf respiration to growth temperature was exhibited by P. euryphylla. Moreover, leaf masses per area (LMA) were similar in 13°C‐grown and 20°C‐grown plants of the alpine species. In contrast, growth at 13°C increased LMA in the two lowland species; this was associated with increased photosynthetic capacity and rates of leaf respiration (both in darkness and in the light). Alleviation of triose phosphate limitation and increased capacity of electron transport capacity relative to carboxylation were also observed. Such changes demonstrate that the lowland species cold‐acclimated. Light reduced the short‐term temperature dependence (i.e. Q₁₀) of leaf respiration in all three species, irrespective of growth temperature. Collectively, our results highlight the tight coupling that exists between thermal acclimation of photosynthetic and leaf respiratory metabolism (both in darkness and in the light) in Plantago. If widespread among contrasting species, such coupling may enable modellers to assume levels of acclimation in one parameter (e.g. leaf respiration) where details are only known for the other (e.g. photosynthesis).     

Dark Leaf Respiration in Light and Darkness of an Evergreen and a Deciduous Plant Species

Dark respiration in light as well as in dark was estimated for attached leaves of an evergreen (Heteromeles arbutifolia Ait.) and a deciduous (Lepechinia fragans Greene) shrub species using an open gas-exchange system. Dark respiration in light was estimated by the Laisk method. Respiration rates in the dark were always higher than in the light, indicating that light inhibited respiration in both species. The rates of respiration in the dark were higher in the leaves of the deciduous species than in the evergreen species. However, there were no significant differences in respiration rates in light between the species. Thus, the degree of inhibition of respiration by light was greater in the deciduous species (62%) than in the evergreen species (51%). Respiration in both the light and darkness decreased with increasing leaf age. However, because respiration in the light decreased faster with leaf age than respiration in darkness, the degree of inhibition of respiration by light increased with leaf age (from 36% in the youngest leaves to 81% in the mature leaves). This suggests that the rate of dark respiration in the light is related to the rate of biosynthetic processes. Dark respiration in the light decreased with increasing light intensity. Respiration both in the light and in the dark was dependent on leaf temperature. We concluded that respiration in light and respiration in darkness are tightly coupled, with variation in respiration in darkness accounting for more than 60% of the variation in respiration in light. Care must be taken when the relation between respiration in light and respiration in darkness is studied, because the relation varies with species, leaf age, and light intensity.     

Leaf respiration of snow gum in the light and dark. Interactions between temperature and irradiance

We investigated the effect of temperature and irradiance on leaf respiration (R, non-photorespiratory mitochondrial CO(2) release) of snow gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora Sieb. ex Spreng). Seedlings were hydroponically grown under constant 20 degrees C, controlled-environment conditions. Measurements of R (using the Laisk method) and photosynthesis (at 37 Pa CO(2)) were made at several irradiances (0-2,000 micromol photons m(-2) s(-1)) and temperatures (6 degrees C-30 degrees C). At 15 degrees C to 30 degrees C, substantial inhibition of R occurred at 12 micromol photons m(-2) s(-1), with maximum inhibition occurring at 100 to 200 micromol photons m(-2) s(-1). Higher irradiance had little additional effect on R at these moderate temperatures. The irradiance necessary to maximally inhibit R at 6 degrees C to 10 degrees C was lower than that at 15 degrees C to 30 degrees C. Moreover, although R was inhibited by low irradiance at 6 degrees C to 10 degrees C, it recovered with progressive increases in irradiance. The temperature sensitivity of R was greater in darkness than under bright light. At 30 degrees C and high irradiance, light-inhibited rates of R represented 2% of gross CO(2) uptake (v(c)), whereas photorespiratory CO(2) release was approximately 20% of v(c). If light had not inhibited leaf respiration at 30 degrees C and high irradiance, R would have represented 11% of v(c). Variations in light inhibition of R can therefore have a substantial impact on the proportion of photosynthesis that is respired. We conclude that the rate of R in the light is highly variable, being dependent on irradiance and temperature.     

Components of CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> exchange in leaves of C<Subscript>3</Subscript> species with different ability of starch accumulation

Using a radiogasometric method the rates of photorespiratory and respiratory decarboxylations of primary and stored photosynthates in the leaves of two groups of C₃ species, differing in the ability of starch accumulation, were determined. One group included starch-accumulating (SA) species with rates of starch synthesis on the average 38 % the rate of photosynthesis [Solanum tuberosum L., Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh, Helianthus annuus L., and Plantago lanceolata L.]. The second group represented starch-deficient (SD) species with rates of starch synthesis less than 8 % the rate of photosynthesis (Secale cereale L., Triticum aestivum L., Hordeum vulgare L., and Poa trivialis L.). In SA species the rate of respiration in the dark was significantly higher than in SD species. No differences were found in the rates of photosynthesis, photorespiration, and respiration under irradiation. Thus, the degree of inhibition of respiration by irradiation was in SA species higher than in SD species. It is concluded that starch does not provide substrates for respiratory and photorespiratory decarboxylations in irradiated photosynthesizing leaves.     

Photorespiratory and respiratory decarboxylations in leaves of C3 plants under different CO2 concentrations and irradiances

We used an advanced radiogasometric method to study the effects of short-term changes in CO2 concentration ([CO2]) on the rates and substrates of photorespiratory and respiratory decarboxylations under steady-state photosynthesis and in the dark. Experiments were carried out on Plantago lanceolata, Poa trivialis, Secale cereale, Triticum aestivum, Helianthus annuus and Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Rates of photorespiration and respiration measured at a low [CO2] (40 micromol mol(-1)) were equal to those at normal [CO2] (360 micromol mol(-1)). Under low [CO2], the substrates of decarboxylation reactions were derived mainly from stored photosynthates, while under normal [CO2] primary photosynthates were preferentially consumed. An increase in [CO2] from 320 to 2300 micromol mol(-1) brought about a fourfold decrease in the rate of photorespiration with a concomitant 50% increase in the rate of respiration in the light. Respiration in the dark did not depend on [CO2] up to 30 mmol mol(-1). A positive correlation was found between the rate of respiration in the dark and the rate of photosynthesis during the preceding light period. The respiratory decarboxylation of stored photosynthates was suppressed by light. The extent of light inhibition decreased with increasing [CO2]; no inhibition was detected at 30 mmol mol(-1) CO2.     

Does the direct effect of atmospheric CO2 concentration on leaf respiration vary with temperature? Responses in two species of Plantago that differ in relative growth rate

The objective of this study was to investigate the direct effect of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations on leaf respiration in darkness (R) over a broad range of measurement temperatures. Our aim was to further elucidate the underlying mechanism(s) of the often-reported inhibition of leaf R by a doubling of the atmospheric CO2 concentration. Experiments were conducted using two species of Plantago that differed in maximum relative growth rate (fast-growing Plantago lanceolata L. and the slow-growing P. euryphylla Briggs, Carolin & Pulley). Rates of leaf respiration (R) were measured at atmospheric CO2 concentrations ranging from 75 to 2000 &mgr;mol mol-1 at temperatures from 12 to 42 degrees C. R was measured as CO2 release with a portable gas exchange system with infrared gas analysers. Our hypothesis was that the changes in temperature alter the flux coefficient (i.e. the extent to which changes in potential enzyme activity has an effect on the rate of a reaction) of enzymes potentially affected by CO2. Initial analysis of our results suggested that R was inhibited by elevated CO2 in both species, with the apparent degree of inhibition being greatest at low temperature. Moreover, the apparent degree of inhibition following a doubling of atmospheric CO2 concentration from 350 to 700 &mgr;mol mol-1 was similar to that reported by several previous studies (approximately 14% and 26% for P. lanceolata and P. euryphylla, respectively) at a temperature equal to the mean of the previous studies. However, subsequent correction for diffusion leaks of CO2 across the gas exchange's cuvette gaskets revealed that no significant inhibition had occurred in either species, at any temperature. The inhibitory effect of elevated CO2 on leaf respiratory CO2 release reported by previous studies may therefore have been overestimated.     

长白山阔叶红松林主要树种光合作用的光响应曲线

以叶片光合作用观测资料为基础,利用直角双曲线与非直角双曲线两种方法对长白山阔叶红松林的主要建群树种红松(Pinus koraiensis)、紫椴(Tilia amurensis)、蒙古栎(Quercus mongolica)、水曲柳(Fraxinus mandshurica)光合作用的光响应曲线进行了拟合.结果表明,两种方法拟合结果不同,直角双曲线方法简单,但非直角双曲线的拟合结果更符合生理意义.由直角双曲线拟合得出4个树种的初始量子效率α、最大净光合作用速率P_max以及暗呼吸R_d大于非直角双曲线的拟合结果,而光补偿点L_cp随树种不同而有差异.两种方法得出4个树种的α、R_d大小顺序相同,分别是：α为水曲柳＞紫椴＞蒙古栎＞红松;R_d为水曲柳＞蒙古栎＞紫椴＞红松,但由两种方法得出的P_max、L_cp值大小顺序有差异.     

Effects of temperature and light on the formation of chloroplast protrusions in leaf mesophyll cells of high alpine plants

Chloroplasts of many alpine plants have the ability to form marked, stroma-filled protrusions that do not contain thylakoids. Effects of temperature and light intensity on the frequency of chloroplasts with such protrusions in leaf mesophyll cells of nine different alpine plant species (Carex curvula All., Leontodon helveticus Merat., Oxyria digyna (L.) Hill., Poa alpina L. ssp. vivipara, Polygonum viviparum L., Ranunculus glacialis L., Ranunculus alpestris L., Silene acaulis L. and Soldanella pusilla Baumg.) covering seven different families were studied. Leaves were exposed to either darkness and a stepwise increase in temperature (10-38 degrees C) or to different light intensities (500 and 2000 micromol photons m(-2) s(-1)) and a constant temperature of 10 or 30 degrees C in a special temperature-regulated chamber. A chloroplast protrusions index characterising the relative proportion of chloroplasts with protrusions was defined. Seven of the nine species showed a significant increase in chloroplast protrusions when temperature was elevated to over 20 degrees C. In contrast, the light level did not generally affect the abundance of chloroplasts with protrusions. Chloroplast protrusions lead to a dynamic enlargement of the chloroplast surface area. They do not appear to be directly connected to a distinct photosystem II (PSII) (F(v)/F(m)) status and thus seem to be involved in secondary, not primary, photosynthetic processes.     

红松和紫椴叶片暗呼吸及其光抑制性在幼、成树间的差异

叶片暗呼吸是森林碳循环的重要组分,深入分析幼、成树的叶片暗呼吸及其光抑制性的差异,对生态系统总生产力(GPP)的准确估算具有重要意义.本研究以长白山阔叶红松林主要树种(红松和紫椴)的幼树和成树为研究对象,分别测算不同光照下叶片暗呼吸与无光暗呼吸,比较叶片暗呼吸及其光抑制性在幼、成树间的差异,结合幼、成树叶片生理生态参数的对比,对幼、成树叶片暗呼吸及其光抑制性差异的原因进行探讨.结果表明: 两个树种幼树叶片光下暗呼吸的值高于成树,在生长季(6—9月),幼树的值比成树高6.8%～39.6%;两个树种幼树叶片暗呼吸光抑制程度低于成树,幼树叶片暗呼吸光抑制性的值比成树低2.5%～14.1%;红松幼、成树间叶片暗呼吸光抑制性的差异总体高于紫椴幼、成树间叶片暗呼吸光抑制性的差异,差值最高可达18.6%;幼树中较高的光下暗呼吸值和较低的光抑制程度可能与最大净光合速率、比叶面积、气孔导度的变化有关,与叶片氮含量的变化无关.     

A Mathematical Model for Leaf Photosynthesis of Mulberry

A mathematical model of leaf photosynthesis has been established. In this model, the processes of photosynthesis are divided into two parts, ie., the carboxylation process driven by light which is dependent on temperature and CO2 concentration, and the diffusion of CO2 from atmosphere to the carboxylation site. Finatly, CO2 uptake by the leaf is understood as dependent on 1), the CO2 response curve of the leaf mesophyll and 2). the CO2 partial pressure in the intercellular space in leaf. The COs response curve of the leaf photosynthesis is described mathematically in terms of carboxylation efficiency (Ca) or its initial slope and the photosynthetic capacity (Pm) or the CO2-saturated uptake rate of CO2 uptake, and dark respiration (Rd). The dependency of photosynthesis on leaf temperature and incident light intensity is incorporated into variations of those parameters which establish an appropriate response to internal CO2 pressure for particular light and temperature conditions prevailing at any time. Secondly the interactiion of stomata with photosynthesis is represented as an empirical relation between stomatal conductance and a combined environmental physiological index, APn·Hx/CaThe parameters used in the modelwere estimated with Marquardt-Newton method for non-linear function. Field measurements of mulberry leaf photosynthesis provided a data set for model testing. The resuks show that the simulated values of the model agree well with observed data. The model was used to analyse the response surface of leaf conductance and photosynthesis to environmental factors—Applications and limitations of the model are discussed     

Ethylene emission and responsiveness to applied ethylene vary among Poa species that inherently differ in leaf elongation rates

A plant's ability to produce and respond to ethylene is essential for its vegetative growth. We studied whole-shoot ethylene emission and leaf growth responses to applied ethylene in four Poa spp. that differ inherently in leaf elongation rate and whole-plant relative growth rate. Compared with the fast-growing Poa annua and Poa trivialis, the shoots of the slow-growing species Poa alpina and Poa compressa emitted daily 30% to 50% less ethylene, and their leaf elongation rate was more strongly inhibited when ethylene concentration was increased up to 1 microL L(-1). To our surprise, however, low ethylene concentrations (0.02-0.03 microL L(-1)) promoted leaf growth in the two slow-growing species; at the same concentrations, leaf elongation rate of the two fast-growing species was only slightly inhibited. All responses were observed within 20 min after ethylene applications. Although ethylene generally inhibits growth, our results show that in some species, it may actually stimulate growth. Moreover, in the two slow-growing Poa spp., both growth stimulation and inhibition occurred in a narrow ethylene concentration range, and this effect was associated with a much lower ethylene emission. These findings suggest that the regulation of ethylene production rates and perception of the gas may be more crucial during leaf expansion of these species under non-stressful conditions and that endogenous ethylene concentrations are not large enough to saturate leaf growth responses. In the two fast-growing species, a comparatively higher ethylene endogenous concentration may conversely be present and sufficiently high to saturate leaf elongation responses, invariably leading to growth inhibition.     

Effects of Prolonged Darkness on the Sensitivity of Leaf Respiration to Carbon Dioxide Concentration in C3and C4Species

Predicting responses of plant and global carbon balance to theincreasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphererequires an understanding of the response of plant respirationto carbon dioxide concentration ([CO₂]). Direct effects of thecarbon dioxide concentration at which rates of respiration ofplant tissue are measured are quite variable and their effectsremain controversial. One possible source of variation in responsivenessis the energy status of the tissue, which could influence thecontrol coefficients of enzymes, such as cytochrome-c oxidase,whose activity is sensitive to [CO₂]. In this study we comparedresponses of respiration rate to [CO₂] over the range of 60to 1000 µmol mol^-1in fully expanded leaves of four C₃andfour C₄herbaceous species. Responses were measured near themiddle of the normal 10 h dark period, and also after another24 h of darkness. On average, rates of respiration were reducedabout 70% by the prolonged dark period, and leaf dry mass perunit area decreased about 30%. In all species studied, the relativedecrease in respiration rate with increasing [CO₂] was largerafter prolonged darkness. In the C₃species, rates measured at1000 µmol mol^-1CO₂averaged 0.89 of those measured at 60µmol mol^-1in the middle of the normal dark period, and0.70-times when measured after prolonged darkness. In the C₄species,rates measured at 1000 µmol mol^-1CO₂averaged 0.79 of thoseat 60 µmol mol^-1CO₂in the middle of the normal dark period,and 0.51-times when measured after prolonged darkness. In threeof the C₃species and one of the C₄species, the decrease in theabsolute respiration rate between 60 and 1000 µmol mol^-1CO₂wasessentially the same in the middle of the normal night periodand after prolonged darkness. In the other species, the decreasein the absolute rate of respiration with increase in [CO₂] wassubstantially less after prolonged darkness than in the middleof the normal night period. These results indicated that increasingthe [CO₂] at the time of measurement decreased respiration inall species examined, and that this effect was relatively largerin tissues in which the respiration rate was substrate-limited.The larger relative effect of [CO₂] on respiration in tissuesafter prolonged darkness is evidence against a controlling roleof cytochrome-c oxidase in the direct effects of [CO₂] on respiration.Copyright 2001 Annals of Botany Company Carbon dioxide, respiration, Abutilon theophrasti(L.), Amaranthus retroflexus(L.),Amaranthus hypochondriacus (L.), Datura stramonium(L.), Helianthus annuus(L.), Solanum melongena(L.), Sorghum bicolor(L. Moench), Zea mays     

Comparison of Methods to Estimate Dark Respiration in the Light in Leaves of Two Woody Species

Dark respiration in the light was estimated in leaves of two woody species (Heteromeles arbutifolia Ait. and Lepechinia fragans Greene) using two different approaches based on gas-exchange techniques: the Kok method and the Laisk method. In all cases, dark respiration in the light was lower (P < 0.05) than respiration in darkness, indicating that dark respiration was inhibited in the light. Rates of dark respiration in the light estimated by the Laisk method were 52% higher (P < 0.05) than those estimated by the Kok method. Differences between the methods could be explained by the low ambient CO2 concentrations required by the Laisk approach. The mean value of the inhibition of respiration by light for the two species, corrected for the ambient CO2 concentration effect, was 55%. Despite the differences in leaf characteristics between the species, values of the CO2 photocompensation point, at which the rate of photosynthetic CO2 uptake equaled that of photorespiratory CO2 evolution, were very constant, suggesting an excellent consistency in the results obtained with the Laisk approach.     

Leaf and canopy photosynthetic characteristics of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) under elevated CO2 concentration and UV-B radiation

Increases in both atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation on the Earth's surface are features of current climate change patterns. An experiment was conducted in sunlit, controlled environment chambers known as Soil-Plant-Atmosphere-Research (SPAR) units to determine interactive effects of elevated [CO2] and UV-B radiation on leaf and canopy photosynthetic characteristics of cotton. Six treatments were comprised of two CO2 levels of 360 (ambient) and 720 (elevated) microL L(-1) and three levels of 0 (control), 8, and 16 kJ m(-2) d(-1) biologically effective UV-B radiation. Treatments were imposed for 66 days from crop emergence through three weeks after the first flower stage. Plants grown in elevated [CO2] had significantly greater leaf area, higher leaf and canopy net photosynthetic rates (PN), lower dark respiration rate (Rd), and lower light compensation point (LCP) than plants grown in ambient [CO2]. There was no difference in CO2 compensation point (gamma), maximum rate of Rubisco activity (Vcmax), or light-saturated rate of electron transport (Jmax) between ambient and elevated CO2 treatments. When plants were grown in 8 kJ m(-2) d(-1) UV-B radiation, most of the measured photosynthetic parameters did not differ from control plants. High UV-B (16 kJ) radiation, however, caused 47-50% smaller leaf area, 38-44% lower leaf PN, 72-74% lower Vcmax, and 61-66% lower Jmax compared to the control. There were no interactive effects of [CO2] and UV-B radiation on most of the photosynthetic parameters measured. From the results, it is concluded that decreased canopy photosynthesis due to enhanced UV-B radiation in cotton is associated with both smaller leaf area and lower leaf PN, and loss of Rubisco activity and electron transport are two major factors in UV-B inhibition of leaf PN.     

12CO2 emission from different metabolic pathways measured in illuminated and darkened C3 and C4 leaves at low,atmospheric and elevated CO2 concentration

The detection of 12CO2 emission from leaves in air containing 13CO2 allows simple and fast determination of the CO2 emitted by different sources, which are separated on the basis of their labelling velocity. This technique was exploited to investigate the controversial effect of CO2 concentration on mitochondrial respiration. The 12CO2 emission was measured in illuminated and darkened leaves of one C4 plant and three C3 plants maintained at low (30-50 ppm), atmospheric (350-400 ppm) and elevated (700-800 ppm) CO2 concentration. In C3 leaves, the 12CO2 emission in the light (Rd) was low at ambient CO2 and was further quenched in elevated CO2, when it was often only 20-30% of the 12CO2 emission in the dark, interpreted as the mitochondrial respiration in the dark (Rn). Rn was also reduced in elevated CO2. At low CO2, Rd was often 70-80% of Rn, and a burst of 12CO2 was observed on darkening leaves of Mentha sativa and Phragmites australis after exposure for 4 min to 13CO2 in the light. The burst was partially removed at low oxygen and was never observed in C4 leaves, suggesting that it may be caused by incomplete labelling of the photorespiratory pool at low CO2. This pool may be low in sclerophyllous leaves, as in Quercus ilex where no burst was observed. Rd was inversely associated with photosynthesis, suggesting that the Rd/Rn ratio reflects the refixation of respiratory CO2 by photosynthesizing leaves rather than the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in the light, and that CO2 produced by mitochondrial respiration in the light is mostly emitted at low CO2, and mostly refixed at elevated CO2. In the leaves of the C4 species Zea mays, the 12CO2 emission in the light also remained low at low CO2, suggesting efficient CO2 refixation associated with sustained photosynthesis in non-photorespiratory conditions. However, Rn was inhibited in CO2-free air, and the velocity of 12CO2 emission after darkening was inversely associated with the CO2 concentration. The emission may be modulated by the presence of post-illumination CO2 uptake deriving from temporary imbalance between C3 and C4 metabolism. These experiments suggest that this uptake lasts longer at low CO2 and that the imbalance is persistent once it has been generated by exposure to low CO2.     

Growth,biomass distribution and CO2 exchange of northern hardwood seedlings in high and low light: relationships with successional status and shade tolerance

The physiology, morphology and growth of first-year Betula papyrifera Marsh., Betula alleghaniensis Britton, Ostrya virginiana (Mill.) K. Koch, Acer saccharum Marsh., and Quercus rubra L. seedlings, which differ widely in reported successional affinity and shade tolerance, were compared in a controlled high-resource environment. Relative to late-successional, shade-tolerant Acer and Ostrya species, early-successional, shade-intolerant Betula species had high relative growth rates (RGR) and high rates of photosynthesis, nitrogen uptake and respiration when grown in high light. Fire-adapted Quercus rubra had intermediate photosynthetic rates, but had the lowest RGR and leaf area ratio and the highest root weight ratio of any species. Interspecific variation in RGR in high light was positively correlated with allocation to leaves and rates of photosynthesis and respiration, and negatively related to seed mass and leaf mass per unit area. Despite higher respiration rates, early-successional Betula papyrifera lost a lower percentage of daily photosynthetic CO₂ gain to respiration than other species in high light. A subset comprised of the three Betulaceae family members was also grown in low light. As in high light, low-light grown Betula species had higher growth rates than tolerant Ostrya virainiana. The rapid growth habit of sarly-successional species in low light was associated with a higher proportion of biomass distributed to leaves, lower leaf mass per unit area, a lower proportion of biomass in roots, and a greater height per unit stem mass. Variation in these traits is discussed in terms of reported species ecologies in a resource availability context.     

Photosynthesis and kinetic characteristics of rubisco in Hibiscus cannabinus L

Photosynthetic characteristics in kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), a C3 plant, were compared with Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, another member of Malvaceae. Kenaf leaves exhibited significantly higher rate of photosynthesis (40 mg CO2 dm(-2) hr(-1)) which was 24.6 mg dm(-2) hr(-1) in A. esculentus. Rate of photo and dark respiration was similar in both the species. Kenaf leaf photosynthesis had a higher optimum temperature (32 degrees C) than that of A. esculentus (26 degrees C). Photosynthesis in kenaf leaves required higher saturation irradiance (1,600 micromole m(-2) sec(-1)). There was a significant correlation between photosynthetic rate and biomass yield in these species. The primary product of photosynthesis after 5 seconds of 14C-assimilation was 3-PGA in both the species. The kinetic properties of RuBP carboxylase/oxygenase were determined in the leaf extracts. Higher carboxylase activities were recorded with kenaf leaf extracts (245 pmole mg chl(-1) hr(-1)). Km (CO2) for kenaf leaf carboxylase was significantly lower (7.8 microM) than A. esculentus (13.5 microM) and corresponding difference in Vmax values of carboxylase was recorded between the two species. The kinetic characteristics of oxygenase were similar in both the extracts. These results indicated the variation in carboxylase activity and its kinetic characteristics reflected a significant difference in CO2 assimilation in C3 plants.     

Underwater photosynthesis and respiration in leaves of submerged wetland plants: gas films improve CO2 and O2 exchange.

Many wetland plants have gas films on submerged leaf surfaces. We tested the hypotheses that leaf gas films enhance CO(2) uptake for net photosynthesis (P(N)) during light periods, and enhance O(2) uptake for respiration during dark periods. Leaves of four wetland species that form gas films, and two species that do not, were used. Gas films were also experimentally removed by brushing with 0.05% (v/v) Triton X. Net O(2) production in light, or O(2) consumption in darkness, was measured at various CO(2) and O(2) concentrations. When gas films were removed, O(2) uptake in darkness was already diffusion-limited at 20.6 kPa (critical O(2) pressure for respiration, COP(R)>/= 284 mmol O(2) m(-3)), whereas for some leaves with gas films, O(2) uptake declined only at approx. 4 kPa (COP(R) 54 mmol O(2) m(-3)). Gas films also improved CO(2) uptake so that, during light periods, underwater P(N) was enhanced up to sixfold. Gas films on submerged leaves enable continued gas exchange via stomata and thus bypassing of cuticle resistance, enhancing exchange of O(2) and CO(2) with the surrounding water, and therefore underwater P(N) and respiration.     

Rapid and straightforward estimates of photosynthetic characteristics using a portable gas exchange system

Procedures are described for estimating photosynthetic characteristics using a portable infra-red gas analysis (IRGA) system. Once the effects of stomatal limitation on CO2 assimilation have been established, up to ten parameters of photosynthesis can be estimated for a single leaf within 2 h, including: photosynthetic efficiency and capacity on both photon and CO2 bases; compensation irradiances and CO2 compensation concentrations; and light and dark respiration rates. These measurements can be made in the laboratory, glasshouse or field with relative ease. Methods for obtaining near instantaneous ("snapshot") measurements of leaf photosynthesis are also described, using carefully pre-set conditions within the leaf cuvette. Representative results are shown for Phaseolus vulgaris L. Important aspects of the procedure's experimental design, assumptions made in the analysis, and limitations of this approach are analysed. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.