毛竹快速生长期茎秆不同节间光合色素和光合酶活性的差异

为揭示毛竹(Phyllostachysedulis)快速生长期茎秆中的光合碳同化特征及其在不同节间的变化规律,以毛竹笋竹茎秆为材料,测定不同节间光合色素含量、核酮糖-1,5-二磷酸羧化酶/加氧酶(Rubisco)、磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸羧化酶(PEPC)、苹果酸脱氢酶(NADP-MDH)、NADP-苹果酸酶(NADP-ME)、磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸羧激酶(PEPCK)以及丙酮酸磷酸双激酶(PPDK)活性。结果显示,茎秆中叶绿素a、叶绿素b以及类胡萝卜素含量随节间升高均呈下降趋势,叶绿素a/b比值呈逐渐上升趋势;随着节间的升高,茎秆中Rubisco、PEPC和PPDK活性在第1–10节间显著下降,之后酶活性降幅逐渐减缓;NADP-ME活性在第1–13节间呈显著下降趋势,之后酶活性趋于平稳;NADP-MDH活性在第1–25节间显著下降。PEPC/Rubisco活性比值随节间升高而不断增加,其范围介于18.37–65.09之间,明显大于典型C3植物中的活性比值。上述结果表明,茎秆不同节间的光合碳同化能力存在明显差异,中、下部节间生长相对较快;茎秆中存在多种C4酶且活性较高,这为此时期茎秆中存在C4光合途径提供了有力证据。     

狼针草光合特性对放牧干扰的响应

以内蒙古呼伦贝尔草甸草原围封草地和放牧草地为实验样地, 通过对两种草地类型中狼针草(Stipa baicalensis)的光合特性、水分关系、植物渗透调节等生理生态学特性测定分析, 比较研究放牧干扰对狼针草的影响。结果表明: 在放牧干扰下, 狼针草通过增强核酮糖二磷酸羧化酶(RUBPCase)活性、叶绿素含量、改变电子流的方向和速率、增强光系统II (PSII)活性(p < 0.05), 促进同化物的累积和植物的补偿生长, 应对放牧干扰的影响。放牧干扰下狼针草的光合速率日变化曲线呈单峰型, 而围封草地中呈“双峰型”, 出现“午休”现象, 正午RuBPCase的羧化能力下降是造成围封草地狼针草光合“午休”的非气孔因素之一, 而磷元素的缺失可能是导致二磷酸核酮糖羧化酶(Rubisco)活性下降的原因。在光合能量分配方面, 两种样地狼针草的PSII最大光化学量子产量(F_v/F_m)均出现光抑制现象。放牧草地中狼针草对光照增强较为敏感, F_v/F_m值下降趋势明显(p < 0.05)。和围封样地相比, 放牧样地的狼针草光化学猝灭(q_P)值升高, 而非光化学猝灭(NPQ)值降低(p < 0.05), 分配更多的能量于光合反应中心, 有利于同化物累积, 提高光合能力来适应放牧的影响。在放牧干扰下, 狼针草叶片水势与叶片含水量降低, 而渗透调节物质可溶性蛋白和可溶性糖含量增加(p < 0.05), 狼针草的蓄水性变弱, 需要通过增加体内渗透调节物质, 主动降低水势, 以保证从土壤中获取足够的水分维持自身生理活性。同时, 放牧干扰促进了狼针草对氮元素的吸收利用。放牧样地中狼针草光合氮、磷利用率均与叶比重呈负相关关系。     

CO2浓度倍增对8种作物叶片光合作用、蒸腾作用和水分利用效率的影响

揭示作物光合作用、蒸腾作用和水分利用效率(WUE)对大气CO₂浓度变化的响应, 对预测未来大气CO₂浓度升高条件下作物生产力与需水规律的变化具有重要意义。在自然CO₂浓度、CO₂倍增和倍增后恢复到自然CO₂浓度3种情况下, 对大豆(Glycine max)、甘薯(Ipomoea batatas)、花生(Arachis hypogaea)、水稻(Oryza sativa)、棉花(Gossypium hirsutum)、玉米(Zea mays)、高粱(Sorghum vulgare)和谷子(Setaria italica) 8种作物的气体交换参数进行了研究。结果表明: CO₂浓度倍增可以提高光合速率, 降低蒸腾速率, 从而提高WUE, 其中光合速率提高的贡献更大; C₃比C₄作物的光合速率、WUE增幅大, C₃作物光合速率提高对WUE的贡献大于C₄作物; 通过对比倍增后恢复到自然CO₂浓度时气体交换参数随环境条件变化的响应确定了其内在调控机制; 倍增后恢复到自然CO₂浓度时作物光合速率低于自然CO₂浓度下的光合速率, 而蒸腾速率无明显差异。由此判断: CO₂浓度倍增下存在光合下调现象, 这可能是由于Rubisco酶蛋白含量、活化水平和比活性降低等“非气孔因素”造成的, 并非由气孔导度的降低引起的。     

Effects of maize-peanut intercropping and phosphate fertilizer on photosynthetic characteristics and yield of intercropped peanut plants

揭示玉米(Zea mays)和花生(Arachis hypogaea)间作提高花生对弱光利用能力的光合特点及磷(P)肥效应, 对阐明间作花生适应弱光的光合机理和提高间作花生的产量具有重要意义。该试验于2011-2012年在河南科技大学试验农场分析了间作花生功能叶的叶绿素含量与构成、光响应曲线和CO₂响应曲线特点和荧光参数。结果表明: 与单作花生相比, 施P与不施P条件下玉米和花生间作显著(p < 0.01)提高了花生功能叶的叶绿素b含量, 降低了叶绿素a/b, 显著提高了光系统II最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)、实际光化学效率(Φ_PSII)、光化学猝灭系数(q_P)、表观量子效率(AQY)和弱光时的光合速率, 显著降低了气孔导度、二磷酸核酮糖羧化酶羧化速率(V_cmax)、电子传递速率(J_max)和磷酸丙糖利用速率(TPU); 与不施P相比, 施P有利于提高间作花生功能叶的叶绿素含量, 显著提高了Φ_PSII、q_P、V_cmax、J_max和TPU, 说明间作花生通过提高功能叶的叶绿素b含量, 改变叶绿素构成, 提高了光系统II的F_v/F_m、Φ_PSII和q_P, 增强了对光能的捕获和转化能力, 提高了对弱光的利用能力, 而并非提高了对CO₂的羧化固定能力; 施P有利于提高间作花生对弱光的利用能力和产量, 土地当量比提高了6.2%-9.3%。     

遮阴对疏叶骆驼刺叶形态和光合参数的影响

通过设置自然光与遮阴(60%自然光)两种光环境, 观测了遮阴60天后疏叶骆驼刺(Alhagi sparsifolia)叶形态、光合生理参数和脯氨酸(Pro)含量的变化。结果表明: 与自然光照下的叶片相比, 遮阴叶的比叶面积显著增大(p < 0.01), 比叶干重、比叶鲜重和叶片厚度明显降低(p < 0.01); 叶绿素(a + b)和类胡萝卜素含量有所增加, 其中叶绿素a含量增加显著(p < 0.01); 光补偿点、光饱和点和暗呼吸速率降低, 表观量子效率提高, 最大净光合速率明显增大, 光能利用效率高于自然光叶; 强光照下遮阴叶的净光合速率明显降低, 易发生光合光抑制现象。上述结果说明: 遮阴处理后, 疏叶骆驼刺在叶形态和光合生理上表现出对遮阴弱光条件的一定程度的驯化适应。另外, 遮阴叶片Pro的大量积累, 说明Pro在疏叶骆驼刺驯化适应弱光环境中起着重要作用。遮蔽环境下疏叶骆驼刺植株死亡率明显偏高, 表明塔克拉玛干沙漠南缘荒漠区的疏叶骆驼刺属于专性阳生植物不耐阴品种。     

Effects of simulated acid rain on the activity of antioxidant enzyme and the emission of induced green leaf volatiles in Phyllostachys pubescens

为了探讨酸雨胁迫与毛竹(Phyllostachys pubescens)绿叶挥发物(green leaf volatiles, GLVs)释放规律以及抗氧化酶活性的关系, 通过盆栽试验, 采用不同pH值(5.6、4.0、2.5)的模拟酸雨对毛竹三年生实生苗进行处理, 研究酸雨对毛竹叶片可溶性蛋白质含量、丙二醛(MDA)含量和抗氧化酶活性的影响, 并采用热脱附/气相色谱/质谱联用技术对毛竹释放的GLVs成分和含量进行分析。结果表明: 酸雨胁迫下毛竹叶片MDA含量明显增加, pH 2.5模拟酸雨胁迫处理45天毛竹叶片MDA含量与对照相比增加了43.0% (p < 0.01); pH 4.0处理MDA含量增加缓慢, 处理75天时MDA含量比对照增加了0.36倍(p < 0.01)。pH 4.0和pH 2.5模拟酸雨胁迫处理45天时, 毛竹叶片可溶性蛋白质含量极显著增加, 与对照相比分别增加了32.0%和65.0% (p < 0.01)。在酸雨胁迫下, 毛竹叶片超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)和过氧化物酶(POD)的响应时间存在一定差异, 表现为互相协调, pH 2.5模拟酸雨胁迫处理SOD活性和POD活性分别在45天和60天时达到最大值, 分别为对照的1.67倍和1.31倍(p < 0.01), 随后降低。pH 4.0和pH 2.5模拟酸雨胁迫处理, 毛竹叶片GLVs含量比对照分别增加26.4%和132.9% (p < 0.01), 新增GLVs为 (E)-2-辛烯醛、2-乙基己醛、(E)-2-己烯醛和(E)-2-壬烯醛。研究表明: 酸雨胁迫条件下, 毛竹可以通过调节保护酶活性、可溶性蛋白质含量和释放GLVs来提高适应环境的能力。     

根际CO2浓度富集对番茄光合生理的影响

本文采用气雾法栽培方式,研究了60 d根际CO₂浓度富集处理对番茄光合生理的影响.结果表明： 2500 μL·L^–1及以上CO₂浓度处理下,番茄植株叶片叶绿素含量、叶面积显著降低,叶片Mg²⁺ ATPase、Ca²⁺ ATPase和磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸羧化酶(PEPC)活性显著减少,而根系PEPC活性显著增加,叶片净光合速率、气孔导度和胞间CO₂浓度均显著降低.表明根际高CO₂浓度条件下,根系PEPC活性增强、叶片固定CO₂的能力减弱、叶片Mg^2+ ATPase和Ca²⁺ ATPase活性显著降低,根际长期高CO₂浓度处理可能是导致植株光合生理指标下降的原因之一.
     

芍药组内不同类群间光合特性及叶绿素荧光特性比较

为了比较分析芍药组不同类群光合生理差异以及它们对各自不同光照环境的适应性, 测定了芍药组(Paeonia sect. Paeonia) 4种2变种的光合日变化、光响应曲线、CO₂响应曲线, 以及叶绿素荧光特性。结果显示, 芍药组中不同类群之间光合速率差异明显, 各个种类的“午休”程度不同, 芍药(Paeonia lactiflora )和毛果芍药(P. lactiflora var. trichocarpa)的强光抑制现象没有川赤芍(P. veitchii)、美丽芍药(P. mairei)和窄叶芍药(P. anomala)明显。叶绿素荧光特征能够反映芍药组不同类群光合生理的差异。芍药组内不同类群地理分布的差异能部分从光合生理特征的适应性方面得到解释。     

弱光胁迫影响夏玉米光合效率的生理机制初探

大田条件下, 以普通夏玉米(Zea mays) ‘泰玉2号’为材料, 于授粉后1-20天遮光55% (+S), 以大田自然光照条件下生长的玉米作为对照(-S), 研究了遮光及恢复过程中玉米植株的光合性能、叶绿体荧光参数、叶黄素循环以及光能分配的变化, 初步揭示夏玉米开花后弱光条件下光适应的生理机制, 为玉米高产稳产提供理论依据。结果表明, 遮光后玉米穗位叶叶绿素含量及可溶性蛋白含量均减少, RuBP羧化酶和PEP羧化酶活性显著降低, 导致穗位叶净光合速率(P_n)迅速下降, 光饱和点也明显降低; 恢复初期P_n迅速升高, 光合关键酶活性有所增强。遮光后植株的最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)、实际光化学效率(Ф_PSII)显著降低, 非光化学淬灭(NPQ)则显著升高, 而恢复初期植株穗位叶Ф_PSII有所升高, 表明突然暴露在自然光下的光合电子传递速率明显加快, 这与其光合速率及光合酶活性的趋势保持一致; 遮光处理对穗位叶叶黄素循环库的大小(紫黄质+花药黄质+玉米黄质(V + A + Z))影响不显著, 但使叶黄素循环的脱环氧化状态(A + Z)/(V + A + Z)增加; 遮光后植株分配于光化学反应的光能明显减少, 天线耗散光能比率显著增加, 恢复过程中植株主要以过剩非光化学反应的形式耗散过剩的光能。遮光后及恢复初期, 玉米植株的PSII原初光化学活性明显下降, 限制了光合碳代谢的电子供应从而抑制了光合作用, 主要依赖叶黄素循环途径进行能量耗散, 而在光照转换后遮光的玉米叶片在适应自然光过程中的光保护机制不断完善, 光合能力逐渐得到 恢复。     

水体阿特拉津残留对水葱生物量及生理特性的影响

利用营养液水培法, 研究了5个阿特拉津(atrazine)浓度(1、2、4、8和16 mg·L^-1)下水葱(Scirpus tabernaemontani)鲜重、叶片相对含水量(RWC)、丙二醛(MDA)含量、过氧化物酶(POD)活性、根系活力和叶绿素含量等的变化。结果表明, 水葱在阿特拉津胁迫下, 鲜重、RWC、叶绿素含量均有不同程度的下降, 根系活力和POD活性降低, 同时MDA含量上升, 膜脂过氧化程度加剧。由于阿特拉津的降解, 这种不良影响随处理时间的延长而减弱。但其对叶绿素含量的影响具持久性; 培养60天内, 叶绿素含量仍显著低于正常水平。阿特拉津浓度越高, 对水葱的植物毒性越高, 当浓度高于8 mg·L^-1时, 水葱的生长和生理活动受到显著影响(p < 0.05); 低于1 mg·L^-1时, 与对照无显著差异。     

Evidence for the expression of morphological and biochemical characteristics of C3-photosynthesis in chlorohyllous callus cultures of Zea mays

A Zea mays callus culture containing chlorophyll was established and grown photomixotrophically. Cell chloroplast structure, and pigment and soluble protein contents were examined. Expression of some key enzymes of C₄ carbon metabolism was compared with that of etiolated (heterotrophic) and green photoautotrophic leaves. Chlorophyll content of the callus was 15–20% that of green leaves. Soluble protein content of callus was half that of leaf cells. Electron microscopic observations showed that green callus cells contained only typical granal chloroplasts. Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco, EC 4.1.1.38) activities in green callus were ca 30% those of green leaves but 2–3 times higher than in etiolated leaves. Quantitative enzyme protein determination, using antibodies specific to maize leaf Rubisco showed that the chloroplastic carboxylase represented about 7% of total soluble protein in green callus, in parallel to its low chlorophyll content. The specific activity of Rubisco in callus and leaves was unchanged. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC, EC 4.1.1.31) activity in green callus was about 20% that of green leaves and similar to that measured in etiolated leaves. Apparent K_m (PEP) values (0.08 mM) for PEPC isolated from green callus and etiolated leaves were very different from values (0.5 mM) obtained with PEPC from green leaves. These kinetic characteristics together with the absence of inhibition by malate and activation by glucose-6-phosphate suggest that the properties of PEPC isolated from green callus and etiolated maize leaves are very similar to those of PEPPC from C₃ plants. Using PEPC antibodies specific to green maize leaf enzyme, immunotitration of PEPC preparations containing identical enzyme units allowed complete precipitation of the green leaf enzyme with increasing antibody volumes. In contrast, 60–70% of the activity of PEPC from etiolated and green callus was inhibited, suggesting low affinity for the maize green leaf PEPC antiserum (typical C₄ form). Ouchterlony double diffusion tests revealed only partial recognition of PEPC in green callus and etiolated leaves. NAD-malate dehydrogenase (NAD-MDH, EC 1.1.1.37) activity in callus was 2 and 3 times higher, respectively, than in etiolated and green leaves. NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME, EC 1.1.1.40) activity in callus cultures was much lower than in green leaves. All our data support the hypothesis that cultures of fully dedifferentiated chlorophyllous tissues of Zea mays possess a C₃-like metabolism.     

Effect of inorganic carbon supply on the photosynthetic physiology of Gracilaria tenuistipitata

Gracilaria tenuistipitata Zhang et Xia was cultured for 15 d at low, normal and high inorganic carbon concentrations under constant light, temperature and nutrient conditons. Carbonic anhydrase (CA; EC 4.2.1.1.) activity, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/ oxygenase (Rubisco; EC 4.1.1.39) content, pigment content and C/N ratio were measured, and also the photosynthesis and growth rates. Both Rubisco content and CA activity increased under conditions of low inorganic carbon (C_i) but decreased at high C_i with respect to the control. The amount of pigments declined considerably at high C_i and was slightly higher at low C_i. The maximum rate of photosynthesis and the photosynthetic efficiency increased in low C_i and the opposite was found at high C_i concentration. The effects of C_i concentration on maximum rate of photosynthesis and photosynthetic efficiency are discussed in relation to the variation in pigment and Rubisco contents and CA activity. The data indicate that C_i may be an important factor controlling the photosynthetic physiology of G. tenuistipitata with regard, not only to the enzymes of C_i metabolism, but also to the pigment content.Abbreviations APS_max maximum apparent photosynthetic rate - CA carbonic anhydrase - Chl chlorophyll - C_i inorganic carbon - Rubisco ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase This work has been supported by grants No. PB91-0962 and No. MAR90-0365 from Spanish Direction for Science and Technology (DIGICYT). M.J. G-S holds a fellowship from the DIGICYT.     

Carbon assimilation by tree stems: potential involvement of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase

In woody species, the photosynthesis of stems, especially young branches, occurs by refixing part of the internal respiratory CO₂. The present study aims to improve the physiological characterization of stem photosynthesis by examining enzymatic characteristics. During an entire growing season, three enzymatic activities that are linked to C₃ and C₄ metabolism were investigated in relation to the CO₂ efflux and chlorophyll content of current year stems of European beech and were compared to the corresponding characteristics of leaves. High activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and NADP malic enzyme were detected in stems (up to 13 times and 30 times higher in stems than in leaves, respectively), whereas Rubisco activity remained low in comparison with leaves. Stem maximal Rubisco and PEPC activities occurred at the beginning of the season when the total chlorophyll content and the CO₂ assimilation rate were also maximal. Stems were characterized by a PEPC:Rubisco ratio that was equal to 2.5 [an intermediate value between that of C₃-plants (about 0.1) and that of C₄-plants (about 10)], whereas it was equal to 0.1 in leaves. Eight other tree species were also measured and the PEPC:Rubisco ratio was, on average, equal to 3.6. The potential role of PEPC in stem carbon assimilation is discussed in relation to its known involvement in the anaplerotic function of C₃ plants and in the carbon metabolism of the C₄ pathway.     

Effects of growth light and nitrogen nutrition on the organization of the photosynthetic apparatus in leaves of a C4 plant, Amaranthus cruentus

Properties of C4 photosynthesis were examined in Amaranthus cruentus L. (NAD-malic enzyme (ME) subtype, dicot) grown under different light and nitrogen (N) conditions, from the viewpoint of N investment into their photosynthetic components. In low-light (LL) leaves, chlorophyll content per leaf area was greater and chlorophyll alb ratio was lower than in high-light (HL) leaves. These indicate that LL leaves invest more N into their light-harvesting systems. However, this N investment did not contribute to the increase in the quantum yield of photosynthesis on the incident photon flux density (PFD) basis (Qi) in LL leaves. N allocation to ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylasel oxygenase (Rubisco) was significantly higher in HL-high N (HN) leaves than in other leaves. On the other hand, N allocation to C4 enzymes [phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and pyruvate Pi dikinase (PPDK)] was unaffected by the growth conditions. Maximum photosynthetic rates (Pmax) per Rubisco content were similar irrespective of the growth light treatments. Carbon isotope ratios (delta13 C) in the leaf dry matter were more negative in LL leaves than in HL leaves (LL = -19.3% per hundred, HL = -16.0% per hundred) and independent of leaf N. Vein density was highest in HL-HN leaves, and leaf thickness was unaffected by the growth light treatments. From these results, we conclude that A. cruentus leaves would not acclimate efficiently to low growth light.     

Photosynthetic enzyme accumulation during leaf development of Arundinella hirta, a C4 grass having Kranz cells not associated with veins

The leaf of the NADP-malic enzyme type C(4) grass, Arundinella hirta, has not only mesophyll cells (MCs) and bundle sheath cells (BSCs, usual Kranz cells) but also another type of Kranz cells (distinctive cells; DCs) that are not associated with vascular bundles. We investigated photosynthetic enzyme accumulation along the base-to-tip maturation gradient of developing leaves by immunogold electron microscopy. In mature leaves, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) were detected in the MC cytosol and in the BSC and DC chloroplasts, respectively. Pyruvate, P(i) dikinase (PPDK) was present in the chloroplasts of all photosynthetic cells but with higher levels in the MCs. Rubisco was first detected in the basal region of emerging leaf blades where the BSCs and DCs became discernable. Subsequently, the accumulation of PEPC and PPDK was initiated in the region where the granal proliferation in the chloroplasts was conspicuous; and, suberized lamellae were formed in the cell walls of the Kranz cells. There was no difference in the patterns of cellular development and enzyme accumulation between the BSCs and DCs or between the MCs adjacent to each type of Kranz cells. These results demonstrate that, although the DCs are not associated with veins, they behaved like BSCs with respect to enzyme induction and cellular differentiation.     

Light-dependent development of single cell C4 photosynthesis in cotyledons of Borszczowia aralocaspica (Chenopodiaceae) during transformation from a storage to a photosynthetic organ

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Previous work has shown that Borszczowia aralocaspica (Chenopodiaceae) accomplishes C4 photosynthesis in a unique, polarized single-cell system in leaves. Mature cotyledons have the same structure as leaves, with chlorenchyma cells having biochemical polarization of dimorphic chloroplasts and C4 functions at opposite ends of the cell. KEY RESULTS: Development of the single-celled C4 syndrome in cotyledons was characterized. In mature seeds, all cell layers are already present in the cotyledons, which contain mostly lipids and little starch. The incipient chlorenchyma cells have a few plastids towards the centre of the cell. Eight days after germination and growth in the dark, small plastids are evenly distributed around the periphery of the expanding cells. Immunolocalization studies show slight labelling of Rubisco in plastids in seeds, including chlorenchyma, hypodermal and water storage, but not epidermal, cells. After imbibition and 8 d of growth in the dark labelling for Rubisco progressively increased, being most prominent in chlorenchyma cells. There was no immunolabelling for the plastid C4 enzyme pyruvate, Pi dikinase under these conditions. Cotyledons developing in light show formation of chlorenchyma tissue, induction of the cytosolic enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and development of dimorphic chloroplasts at opposite ends of the cells. Proximal chloroplasts have well-developed grana, store starch and contain Rubisco; those located distally have reduced grana, lack starch and contain pyruvate, Pi dikinase. CONCLUSIONS: The results show cotyledons developing in the dark have a single structural plastid type which expresses Rubisco, while light induces formation of dimorphic chloroplasts from the single plastid pool, synthesis of C4 enzymes, and biochemical and structural polarization leading to the single-cell C4 syndrome.     

Effects of rapidly imposed water deficit on photosynthetic parameters of three C<Subscript>4</Subscript> grasses

Water deficit, when rapidly imposed on three C₄ grasses of the different metabolic subtypes, Paspalum dilatatum Poiret (NADP-malic enzyme), Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers (NAD-malic enzyme) and Zoysia japonica Steudel (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase), caused decreases in photosynthetic rates, in the quantum yield of PS II and photochemical quenching, and in the activities of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC). The results provide evidence for non-stomatal limitations of photosynthesis differing in nature between the three species.     

Photosynthetic Metabolism and Activity of Carboxylating Enzymes in Emergent,Floating, and Submersed Leaves of Hydrophytes

Radioisotope techniques were used to compare photosynthetic CO₂ fixation, activities of carboxylating enzymes, and the composition of photosynthates in 42 species of aquatic plants (emergent, floating, and submersed hydrophytes) collected from rivers Sysert' and Iset' in Sverdlovsk oblast (Russia). The submersed leaves, in comparison with the emergent and floating leaves, featured lower rates of potential photosynthesis (by 2.2 mg CO²/(dm² h) on average), low content of the fraction I protein, and low activity of Rubisco and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC). The averaged activities of Rubisco and PEPC were diminished in submersed leaves by 10 and 1 mg/(dm² h), respectively. Different hydrophyte groups showed similar composition of assimilates accumulated after 5-min photosynthesis and did not differ in this respect from terrestrial plants. However, the incorporation of ¹⁴C into sucrose and starch in submersed leaves (30 and 9% of total labeling, respectively) was lower than in emergent and floating leaves (45 and 15%, respectively). At the same time, the incorporation of ¹⁴C into C₄ acids (malate and aspartate) was 1.5 times higher in submersed leaves than in other leaf types. Analysis of leaf differentiation, the Rubisco/PEPC activity ratio, the PEPC activity, and the composition of primary photosynthates in the pulse–chase experiments revealed no evidence of the C₄ effect in the submersed hydrophytes examined. The adaptation of hydatophytes to specific conditions of an aquatic environment was structurally manifested in the reduction (by a factor of 3–5) in the number of chloroplasts per 1 cm² leaf area. This small number of chloroplasts was responsible for low photosynthetic rates in submersed leaves, although metabolic activities of individual chloroplasts were similar for all three hydrophyte groups.     

CO(2) Assimilation and Activities of Photosynthetic Enzymes in High Chlorophyll Fluorescence Mutants of Maize Having Low Levels of Ribulose 1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase

Photosynthetic properties were examined in several hcf (high chlorophyll fluorescence 11, 21, 42 and 45) nuclear recessive mutants of maize which were previously found to have normal photochemistry and low CO₂ fixation. Mutants usually either died after depletion of seed reserves (about 18 days after planting), or survived with slow growth up to 7 or 8 weeks. Both the activity and quantity of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) were low in the mutants (5-25% of the normal siblings on a leaf area basis) and the loss of Rubisco tended to parallel the reduction in photosynthetic capacity. The Rubisco content in the mutants was often marginal for photosynthetic carbon gain, with some leaves and positions along a leaf having no net photosynthesis, while other leaves had a low carbon gain. Conversely, the activities of C₄ cycle enzymes, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, pyruvate, Pi dikinase, NADP-malate dehydrogenase, and NADP-malic enzyme, were the same or only slightly reduced compared to the normal siblings. The mutants had about half as much chlorophyll content per leaf area as the normal green plants. However, the Rubisco activity in the mutants was low on both a leaf area and chlorophyll basis. Low Rubisco activity and lower chlorophyll content may both contribute to the low rates of photosynthesis in the mutants on a leaf area basis.