不同天气水稻光合日变化对大气CO2浓度和温度升高的响应——FACE研究

人类活动导致大气二氧化碳浓度(CO_2)升高、全球气候变暖和光合有效辐射(PAR)降低,影响着绿色作物的光合作用。为了明确高CO_2浓度、高温和低PAR对水稻光合日变化特征的影响,利用中国稻田开放空气CO_2浓度升高系统(free air CO_2enrichment,FACE),以常规粳稻南粳9108为试验材料,设置了环境CO_2和高CO_2浓度(增200μmol/mol)、环境温度和增高温度(增1—2℃)交互的4个处理,从9:00到17:00每隔1h测定了阴天和晴天水稻的光合作用,研究了不同天气对水稻光合日变化对大气CO_2浓度和温度升高的响应。观察到不同天气条件下水稻光合日变化的不同特征,晴天Pn为双峰曲线,发生了光合\"午休\",阴天未发生。结果表明,高CO_2浓度显著提高了水稻Pn,温度升高有降低水稻Pn趋势,CO_2浓度增加200μmol/mol对水稻光合作用的促进效应远大于增温1—2℃对其的抑制效应。高CO_2浓度显著增加了水稻胞间CO_2浓度(Ci),降低了水稻蒸腾速率(Tr),平均降幅为10.8%—22.0%。高温有降低Ci的趋势,增加了Tr,平均增幅达5.0%—13.5%。晴天比阴天增加了水稻Tr,平均增幅为9.8%—31.2%。CO_2浓度和温度同时升高显著降低了水稻气孔导度(Gs)。这些结果说明CO_2浓度、温度和PAR对水稻水分利用率(WUE)产生综合影响。阴天PAR比晴天平均低53.3%,阴天水稻Pn比晴天显著低,平均降幅达37.1%—72.0%。与对照比较,高CO_2浓度处理,较高PAR(晴天)条件下水稻Pn的增幅(38.6%—58.4%)显著大于较低PAR(阴天)条件下水稻Pn的增幅(21.6%—38.8%),这一现象值得关注和深入探讨。研究结果表明,评估气候变化对水稻生产的影响,需同时考虑未来大气CO_2浓度和温度升高以及PAR下降的因素及其相互作用。     

13C脉冲标记法：不同生育期水稻光合碳在植物-土壤系统中的分配

定量生育期内植物光合碳在植物组织-土壤的分配规律,对于理解全球碳循环有着重要意义。采用~(13)C-CO_2脉冲标记结合室内培养,通过元素分析仪-稳定同位素联用(Flash HT-IRMS)分析植物各部分及土壤δ~(13)C值,比较了不同生育期下水稻光合碳在不同组织间的分配规律,并量化了水稻光合碳向土壤碳库的转移。结果表明:(1)水稻地上部和根系干物质量随水稻生育期的增加而呈现递增趋势,不同的生育期表现为:分蘖期拔节期抽穗期扬花期成熟期。而整个生育期的根冠比为0.2—0.4,分蘖期的根冠比最高,随着水稻生育期的增加而递减,到抽穗期以后根冠比稳定在0.2左右。(2)脉冲标记6h后,水稻地上部和地下部(根系)的δ~(13)C值在-25.52‰—-28.33‰,不同器官的δ~(13)C值存在明显分馏效应,且趋势基本一致,即茎杆(籽粒)叶片(根系);这种由于水稻生育期特性导致的各器官碳同位素分馏的现象,可用于指示不同生育期下水稻光合碳的分配和去向。(3)不同生育期~(13)C-光合碳在植物-土壤系统的分配规律不同,生长前期光合碳向根系及土壤中分配的比例高,具有较强的碳汇能力,而随生育期光合碳在根系及土壤中的分配比例呈下降趋势,但积累量不断增加。(4)不同生育期~(13)C光合碳在水稻-土壤系统中的分配比例差异明显。水稻分蘖期有近30%光合碳用于根系建成并部分通过根系分泌物进入土壤有机碳库(10%),而到成熟期则向籽粒中分配较多,而且光合碳在土壤中的分配比例也随生育期呈下降趋势。研究结果对稻田土壤有机碳循环过程和调控机制的揭示具有重要的理论意义。     

濒危植物毛瓣金花茶与其同属广布种茶光合特性的比较

毛瓣金花茶为山茶科山茶属植物,该研究分别对野生种群和栽培种群的毛瓣金花茶及其同属广布种茶的光合特性进行了测定及差异比较。结果表明:在野生和栽培环境下,毛瓣金花茶的光补偿点(LCP)(分别为1.17和3.87μmol·m-2·s-1)和光饱和点(LSP)(分别为395.8和423.6μmol·m-2·s-1)均较低,最大净光合速率(Pmax)(分别为4.25和3.91μmol·m-2·s-1)较小,是典型的阴生植物;而茶的LCP(分别为6.57和9.09μmol·m-2·s-1)较低,LSP(分别为765.0和809.6μmol·m-2·s-1)较高,Pmax(分别为9.37和9.75μmol·m-2·s-1)较大,为耐荫植物。野生和栽培的毛瓣金花茶的Pmax、表观量子效率(AQY)、最大羧化速率(Vcmax)、最大电子传递速率(Jmax)和潜在最大净光合速率(Pmax)均显著低于茶(P0.05),这表明毛瓣金花茶的光合能力和CO2利用能力都比茶要弱。栽培的毛瓣金花茶叶片的Chla、Chlb、Chl(a+b)含量与茶相比无显著差异(P0.05),表明毛瓣金花茶较低的光合能力与其叶绿素含量无关。野生和栽培的毛瓣金花茶的叶面积与茶相比无显著差异(P0.05),而比叶重则显著高于茶(P0.05),与茶相比,毛瓣金花茶对光强的适应范围狭窄,光合能力和CO2利用能力低下,这可能是其分布狭窄的重要生理原因。     

不同温度及二氧化碳浓度下培养的龙须菜光合生理特性对阳光紫外辐射的响应

为了研究不同温度及CO₂浓度下培养的大型海藻对紫外辐射的生理学响应,选取龙须菜(Gracilaria lemaneiformis)作为实验材料。实验设置两个温度梯度(20 ℃和24 ℃),两种CO₂浓度(390 μL/L和1000 μL/L)以及3种辐射处理,即可见光(PAR)处理(滤除紫外线A(UV-A)、紫外线B(UV-B),400-700 nm)、可见光加紫外线A(PA)处理(滤除UV-B,320-700 nm)、PAB处理(全波长辐射280-700 nm)。结果表明,酸化、升温以及紫外辐射处理都未影响大型经济红藻龙须菜的叶绿素a和类胡萝卜素的含量。然而紫外辐射处理显著降低了龙须菜的有效光化学效率,其抑制水平在酸化处理的藻体中更为显著,并且随着温度的上升而进一步加剧;酸化与温度耦合使藻体对紫外辐射的敏感性增加,导致其较低的修复速率以及较高的损伤速率。     

准噶尔荒漠早春短命植物的光合特性及生物量分配特点

准噶尔荒漠分布的早春短命植物不仅具有十分独特的生物学特点,而且在荒漠植物群落演替、物种多样性维持及土壤改良与防治水土流失等方面具有重要的生态学价值。该文运用Li-6400开放式气体交换光合作用测定系统,对分布于准噶尔荒漠的16种早春短命植物生长盛期的净光合速率(P_n)、蒸腾速率(T_r)、水分利用效率(WUE)等特征进行了测定,并对其中7种植物与生长相关的生物量分配特征进行了分析。结果表明:1)16种植物的最大P_n、 最大T_r及WUE分别为8.07~35.96 μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1、3.16~29.64 mmol H₂O·m^-2·s^-1、0.54~4.26 μmol CO₂·mmol^-1H₂O;种间最大P_n与最大气孔导度(Stomatal conductance, G_s)之间存在正相关关系,其相关系数为0.77(p<0.05),线性回归斜率为26.36 μmol·mmol^-1;从光合速率对胞间CO₂浓度及光量子通量密度的响应曲线来看,这类植物的表观CO₂补偿点均在4~5 Pa之间(28~30 ℃),表观羧化效率为0.64~1.86 μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1·Pa^-1,表观量子效率为0.05~0.06。2)从生物量分配来看,所测植物的个体生物量为0.05~0.39 g;单株总叶面积为 3.24~51.40 cm²;单位叶面积干重为0.40~0.77 g·m^-2,根在总生物量中所占比例为5.72%~19.43%,单株叶面积比在2.92~9.00 m²·kg^-1之间。种间根所占生物量的比与对应的WUE之间的比较分析结果表明,二者之间存在显著的正相关关系,其相关系数r为0.93(p<0.01)。这些结果表明,所观测的早春短命植物具有典型的C₃植物特征,相比其它类型的荒漠植物具有较高的单位叶面积P_n、高T_r及低WUE,并且在生长发育过程中表现出很低的根/地上生物量比、较高的叶面积比和单位叶面积干重,说明它们具有相对高的生长速率,这与其生长发育节律相一致,反映了它们与准噶尔荒漠环境相适应的特点。     

玉米和花生间作体系光合碳同化酶活性对CO2浓度升高的响应特征

该试验以玉米、花生2∶4间作模式为对象,采用开顶式气室法控制环境CO_2浓度,于2018-2019年设环境CO_2浓度(Ca, 390μmol·mol~(-1))和升高CO_2浓度(Ce, 700μmol·mol~(-1)),以及不施磷(P_0)和施磷(180 kg P_2O_5·hm~(-2),P_(180))处理下,分析CO_2浓度升高对间作玉米和间作花生功能叶光合碳同化关键酶活性、净光合速率以及籽粒产量的影响,以明确CO_2浓度升高影响玉米、花生间作体系光合作用的机理,为将来CO_2浓度升高环境下间作高产高效提供理论基础。结果表明:(1) Ce处理提高了间作玉米功能叶的PEPC、PPDK、NADP-MDH、Rubisco、GAPDH和Ru5PK等光合碳同化酶活性,其中PEPC和NADP-MDH在苗后43 d以及PPDK、Rubisco、GAPDH和Ru5PK在苗后59 d增幅均达到显著水平,此时施磷对其有正向调控作用。(2) Ce处理增强了间作花生功能叶的Rubisco、GAPDH、Ru5PK和FBPase等光合碳同化酶活性,在苗后43 d和59 d增幅均达到显著水平,此时施磷进一步显著提高了Rubisco与FBPase活性。(3) Ce处理下间作玉米、间作花生的净光合速率显著提高,间作玉米、间作花生和间作体系的籽粒产量分别显著提高了4.4%～52.0%、10.3%～24.0%和5.7%～47.0%;CO_2浓度升高和施磷对间作玉米、花生功能叶的净光合速率和间作体系产量具有正协同效应。研究表明,CO_2浓度升高可以通过提高间作玉米功能叶片的PEPC、PPDK、Rubisco、GAPDH和Ru5PK及间作花生功能叶片的Rubisco、GAPDH、Ru5PK和FBPase等光合碳同化酶活性,增强其对CO_2羧化固定能力,提高间作玉米、间作花生的光合速率,最终显著增加玉米、花生及间作体系的产量,并且增施磷肥对其具有正调控效应。     

CO_2浓度升高对杉木幼苗生长及其光合特性和养分含量的影响

以杉木优良无性系‘洋061’幼苗为材料,设置常规CO_2浓度400μL·L~(-1)(对照组)和CO_2加富浓度800μL·L~(-1)(处理组)两个处理,研究CO_2浓度加富对杉木幼苗生长、根系形态特征、光合生理以及养分含量的影响,以明确杉木优良无性系对CO_2浓度升高的响应特征,为杉木苗木高效培育提供理论依据。结果表明:(1)CO_2加富能显著促进杉木幼苗生物量的积累和苗高的生长,并显著促进杉木根系生长,其根长、根系表面积、根系体积和根系直径分别较对照增加14.60%、28.26%、41.98%和14.70%。(2)CO_2加富能促进杉木叶片类胡萝卜素含量显著增加,使杉木叶片净光合速率(P_n)、胞间二氧化碳浓度(C_i)和水分利用效率(WUE)分别较对照显著提高51.03%、14.13%和151.20%,并使气孔导度(G_s)和蒸腾速率(T_r)分别显著下降58.72%和44.00%。(3)CO_2加富使杉木叶片最大荧光(F_m)、可变荧光(F_v)、PSⅡ潜在光化学效率(F_v/F_o)、PSⅡ实际光化学效率(Φ_(PSⅡ))和光化学淬灭系数(qP)分别较对照显著增加11.48%、11.25%、6.33%、20.38%和30.34%,且不同处理间差异显著,非光化学淬灭系数(NPQ)较对照显著下降21.90%(P0.05),但对初始荧光(F_o)和PSⅡ最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)无显著影响(P0.05)。(4)CO_2加富处理显著增加植株钙元素的含量,并显著降低植株磷元素的含量。研究认为,短期CO_2加富处理可通过增加光合色素含量,提高叶片净光合速率和光能利用效率,进而增强叶片光合能力,同时促进根系生长,增强植物对养分吸收的能力,最终促进杉木幼苗的生长。     

CO_2浓度升高对宁夏枸杞苗木光合特性及生物量分配影响

为明确大气CO_2浓度升高对宁夏枸杞光合特性及生物量分配的影响,以宁夏枸杞苗木为试材,采用开顶气室(OTC)模拟自然环境大气CO_2浓度变化,设置3个CO_2浓度水平[CK(380±20μmol/mol)、TR1(570±20μmol/mol)、TR2(760±20μmol/mol)],分别于不同CO_2浓度处理90d、120d后,测定其净光合速率(P_n)、光响应曲线、CO_2响应曲线等相关指标及植株不同器官生物量。结果表明:(1)TR1及TR2下Pn于第一年处理至90d时均较CK显著升高(P0.05),且TR1处理在120d时较CK显著降低;第二年处理90d时,TR1处理较CK下降了4.77%,处理120d时TR1、TR2均高于CK,但差异不显著。(2)随着CO_2浓度升高,两年中TR1、TR2处理的胞间CO_2浓度(C_i)较CK均显著升高,处理后120d时,气孔导度(G_s)较CK均显著下降;水分利用率(WUE)在第一年处理中均无显著变化,但在第二年处理120d时,TR1、TR2均较CK显著上升。(3)处理至90d和120d时,TR1、TR2组的宁夏枸杞苗木光饱和点、CO_2饱和点均高于CK,但TR2组初始羧化效率低于CK。(4)随着CO_2浓度升高,宁夏枸杞苗木地上部分生物量分配显著增加,地下部分生物量分配显著降低。研究发现,一定时间内适宜CO_2浓度升高可促进宁夏枸杞苗木光合作用,使得其地上部分生物量分配显著提高,地下部分生物量分配显著降低;但随着处理浓度升高及处理时间延长,其光合作用有下调趋势,表现为净光合速率、气孔导度、初始羧化效率等下降。     

遮荫处理对灰木莲幼苗叶片光合氮利用效率的影响

以适生在我国南亚热带地区的珍贵树种灰木莲(Manglietia glauca)为研究对象,对其幼苗叶片的光合氮利用效率(PNUE)及影响因素在不同遮荫条件下的适应情况进行了研究,以期为这种珍贵树种的栽培育苗,以及人工纯林的改造提供科学理论依据。结果表明:60%遮荫条件下生长的灰木莲幼苗叶片光饱和净光合速率最高(Amax,6.03μmol m~(-2)s~(-1)),主要是由于60%遮荫条件下的灰木莲幼苗叶片具有最高的最大羧化速率(V_(cmax),32.93μmol m~(-2)s~(-1))及较高的最大电子传递速率(J_(max),61.83μmol m~(-2)s~(-1))。不同遮荫处理下的灰木莲幼苗叶片PNUE并没有显著差异,这是因为其在不同遮荫条件下的单位面积叶片氮含量(N_(area))及A_(max)会同步变化,核心是其分配到1,5-二磷酸核酮糖羧化酶/加氧酶(Rubisco)及生物力能学组分的氮比例(PR及PB)在不同遮荫处理下并没有显著差异。灰木莲幼苗叶片光合系统中捕光组分氮分配比例(PL)会随着遮荫程度的增加而显著增大,三个处理下的PL大小顺序为:90%遮荫(0.296 g/g)60%遮荫(0.216 g/g)全光(0.132 g/g),但这部分氮比例的提高并不会提高叶片的PNUE。灰木莲幼苗叶片捕光组分氮并不与细胞壁氮、Rubisco氮或者生物力能学组分氮形成协同变化,其随着遮荫程度的增加而增大的氮比例来源于其他氮库,这种变化是多因子综合作用的结果。因此在培育灰木莲幼苗时要进行适度遮荫,进行纯林改造时开出的林窗也不宜过大,要选择较为荫蔽的林下环境进行栽植;在遮荫的同时也要适度增施氮肥,以补充因捕光组分氮比例提高而造成的叶片氮消耗。     

CO2加富对盐胁迫下黄瓜幼苗叶片光合特性及活性氧代谢的影响

以‘津优35号’黄瓜(Cucumis sativus L.)水培苗为试材,采用裂区设计,主区因素为CO_2浓度处理,设大气CO_2浓度(Symbol{B@400μmol/mol)和CO_2加富[(800±40)μmol/mol]2个CO_2浓度水平,裂区因素为盐胁迫处理,用NaCl模拟盐胁迫,设对照(0 mmol/L NaCl)、盐胁迫(80 mmol/L NaCl)2个盐分水平,研究了CO_2加富对盐胁迫下黄瓜幼苗生长、光合特性及活性氧代谢的影响。结果表明:盐胁迫显著抑制黄瓜幼苗的生长,并降低了叶绿素含量、ETR、Φ_(PSII)、核酮糖-1,5-二磷酸羧化酶(RuBPCase)活性及净光合速率;盐胁迫增加了丙二醛及活性氧的累积,与此同时也提高了脯氨酸含量及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性,但降低了过氧化物酶(POD)活性。CO_2加富显著提高了盐胁迫下黄瓜幼苗的株高、茎粗、叶面积及地上部鲜重,降低了叶绿素a、叶绿素b、类胡萝卜素及叶绿素(a+b)含量,但显著提高了净光合速率和RuBPCase活性,同时降低了气孔导度及蒸腾速率,并且使其具有较高的表观电子传递速率及PSII实际光化学效率;CO_2加富显著提高了盐胁迫下黄瓜幼苗叶片脯氨酸含量及SOD、POD、CAT活性,丙二醛、过氧化氢含量和超氧阴离子产生速率显著降低。综上所述,CO_2加富可通过提高幼苗叶片净光合速率、脯氨酸含量及抗氧化酶活性,降低蒸腾速率、减少丙二醛含量及活性氧的积累,从而缓解盐胁迫对黄瓜植株造成的伤害。     

Land plants equilibrate O2 and CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere

The role of land plants in establishing our present day atmosphere is analysed. Before the evolution of land plants, photosynthesis by marine and fresh water organisms was not intensive enough to deplete CO₂ from the atmosphere, the concentration of which was more than the order of magnitude higher than present. With the appearance of land plants, the exudation of organic acids by roots, following respiratory and photorespiratory metabolism, led to phosphate weathering from rocks thus increasing aquatic productivity. Weathering also replaced silicates by carbonates, thus decreasing the atmospheric CO₂ concentration. As a result of both intensive photosynthesis and weathering, CO₂ was depleted from the atmosphere down to low values approaching the compensation point of land plants. During the same time period, the atmospheric O₂ concentration increased to maximum levels about 300 million years ago (Permo-Carboniferous boundary), establishing an O₂/CO₂ ratio above 1000. At this point, land plant productivity and weathering strongly decreased, exerting negative feedback on aquatic productivity. Increased CO₂ concentrations were triggered by asteroid impacts and volcanic activity and in the Mesozoic era could be related to the gymnosperm flora with lower metabolic and weathering rates. A high O₂/CO₂ ratio is metabolically linked to the formation of citrate and oxalate, the main factors causing weathering, and to the production of reactive oxygen species, which triggered mutations and stimulated the evolution of land plants. The development of angiosperms resulted in a decrease in CO₂ concentration during the Cenozoic era, which finally led to the glacial-interglacial oscillations in the Pleistocene epoch. Photorespiration, the rate of which is directly related to the O₂/CO₂ ratio, due to the dual function of Rubisco, may be an important mechanism in maintaining the limits of O₂ and CO₂ concentrations by restricting land plant productivity and weathering.     

自养微生物同化CO2的分子生态研究及同化碳在土壤中的转化

大气中CO2浓度持续升高和全球气候变暖是亟待解决的重大环境问题。自养微生物在环境中广泛分布,能直接参与CO2的同化,因此研究自养微生物同化CO2的分子生态学机制具有重大的科学意义。以往对自养微生物的研究多针对基因组DNA,从DNA水平揭示了不同生态系统中碳同化自养微生物的种群结构和多样性,但这些微生物在生态系统中的具体功能有待进一步的研究。近年来,随着转录组学研究技术和稳定同位素探针技术(SIP)的发展,自养微生物同化CO2的生态机理研究不断深入,这些研究明确揭示了碳同化自养微生物是河流、湖泊和海洋生态系统中CO2固定作用的驱动者,并新发现了一些具有CO2同化功能的微生物群落。基于国内外有关研究进展,从DNA和RNA水平上对自养微生物同化CO2的分子机理以及稳定同位素探针技术(SIP)在碳同化微生物研究中的应用进行了分析和总结,初步展望了RNA-SIP技术在陆地生态系统碳同化微生物分子生态学研究中的前景。同时,探讨了陆地生态系统同化碳的转化和稳定性机理,以期为深入了解生态系统碳循环过程和应对气候变化提供理论依据。     

Variations among races of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) heynh for survival in limited carbon dioxide

Summary Races of a C₃ plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana, were screened for time of survival when enclosed in an air-tight chamber with a C₄ plant species (Zea mays L.). This has been suggested as a method of detecting and selecting for increased photosynthetic efficiency among C₃ genotypes. The C₄ plant should, in such conditions, reduce the atmospheric CO₂ concentration below the compensation point of the C₃ plant, resulting in its eventual death. Significant differences were found among the A. thaliana races for survival time; some races survived only one week in competition with corn while others survived more than two weeks. Two races, chosen for contrasting survival in closed chambers, were hybridized and compared to their F₂ progeny for survival time. Substantial genetic segregation occurred among the F₂, and a number of transgressive segregates having survival times superior of both parents were identified. Also significant heterosis was observed in the F₂ population.     

Photosynthetic characteristics of coffee (Coffea arabusta) plantlets in vitro in response to different CO2 concentrations and light intensities

The photosynthetic characteristics of coffee ( Coffea arabusta) plantlets cultured in vitro in response to different CO₂ concentrations inside the culture vessel and photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) were investigated preliminarily. The estimation of net photosynthetic rate (P_n) of coffee plantlets involved three methods: (1) estimating time courses of actual P_n in situ based on measuring CO₂ concentrations inside and outside the vessel during a 45-day period, (2) estimating P_n in situ at different CO₂ concentrations and PPFs using the above measuring approach for 10-day and 30-day old in vitro plantlets, and (3) estimating P_n of a single leaf at different CO₂ concentrations and PPFs by using a portable photosynthesis measurement system for 45-day old in vitro coffee plantlets. The results showed that coffee plantlets in vitro had relatively high photosynthetic ability and that the P_n increased with the increase in CO₂ concentration inside the vessel. The CO₂ saturation point of in vitro coffee plantlets was high (4500–5000 μmol mol^-1); on the other hand, the PPF saturation point was not so high as compared to some other species, though it increased with increasing CO₂ concentration inside the vessel. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

δ<Superscript>13</Superscript>C values,photosynthetic pathways,and plant functional types for some plants from saline meadows,Northeastern China

Based on stable carbon isotope ratio (δ¹³C) measurements, photosynthetic pathway types were determined for 61 species in 54 genera and 24 families of flowering plants from the saline meadows of Northeastern China. Of these total vascular plants, 18 species in 17 genera from 6 families were found to have C₄ photosynthesis; 43 species in 38 genera from 20 families had C₃ photosynthesis. Six dicotyledonous species exhibited C₄ pathway, 12 monocotyledonous species were found with C₄ photosynthesis. The dicotyledonous C₄ species had relative greater mean δ¹³C value and less total carbon content than both monocotyledonous C₄ and C₃ species. Most dicotyledonous C₄ species were annual forbs and halophytes. Some C₄ species had been previously documented, but their δ¹³C values varied remarkably from those of the present study. Even though there are some fluctuations for the δ¹³C values of some C₄ species, δ¹³C value was still more reliable for C₃ and C₄ identification than the use of the enzyme ratio method and of low CO₂ compensation concentration.     

Developmental changes in carboxylase activities in in vitro cultured coconut zygotic embryos: comparison with corresponding activities in seedlings

Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase (PEPC; EC: 4.1.1.31) and Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase (RubisCO; EC: 4.1.1.39) enzyme specific activities were measured during the in vitro development of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) zygotic mature embryos into plantlets and compared with those of palms produced by conventional seed germination. At the time of initiation of germination, high PEPC and low RubisCO activities were measured in both cultured and conventionally germinated embryos, thus indicating an anaplerotic CO₂ fixation. During both in vitro and in planta development, RubisCO progressively took over and became the main route for inorganic carbon fixation. The in vitro-grown coconut plantlets showed a faster decrease in their PEPC:RubisCO ratio than the seedlings, suggesting that an earlier transition from a heterotrophic to an autotrophic mode of carbon fixation takes place in the in vitro-derived material. Just before acclimatization, the RubisCO activity in in vitro-derived plantlets (2.83 μmol CO₂h⁻¹mg⁻¹ _TSP) was lower than that in seedlings (6.98 μmol CO₂h⁻¹mg⁻¹ _TSP) of the same age. Nevertheless, after acclimatization, RubisCO activities were comparable in both in vitro and in planta germinated material This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Occurrence and ecological characteristics of C4 dicot and Cyperaceae species in the Hungarian flora

The non-graminaceous wild flora of Hungary was screened for C₄ plants by using the stable carbon isotope ratio, the leaf anatomy and the photosynthetic carbon dioxide compensation concentration to determine the photosynthetic pathway type. On the whole, 31 C₄ species (native or naturalized) were found in the Amaranthaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Cyperaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Portulacaceae and Zygophyllaceae families. Together with the 26 C₄ grass species (Poaceae) reported earlier (Kalapos 1991), a total of 57 wild C₄ species occur in Hungary, which forms 2.6 % of the country's angiosperm flora. This figure is somewhat higher than what was expected on climatic grounds, a fact probably due to certain edaphic conditions favouring C₄ plant growth. In Hungary, the C₄ species are predominantly annuals growing in open habitats such as dry grasslands, inland saline areas, temporarily exposed riverbeds and disturbed sites. In comparison with C₃ plants, the C₄ species have higher temperature and light preferences, and their phenology lags behind that of the C₃ plants. These differences might account for C₄ plants being usually excluded from productive biotopes in Hungary, where the C₃ canopy may become closed during the growing season before C₄ plants can start their ontogenetic development. Ecological properties of C₃ and C₄ plants differ considerably in the Cyperaceae, but much less in the Chenopodianceae family. Among C₄ annuals naturalized aliens are common, most of which colonized hungary in the last two centuries. Increasing preponderance of C₄ plants is anticipated in the future as a consequence of possible climate changes and the ever increasing human impact on terrestrial vegetation. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Photosynthetic acclimation in trees to rising atmospheric CO2: A broader perspective

Analysis of leaf-level photosynthetic responses of 39 tree species grown in elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO₂ indicated an average photosynthetic enhancement of 44% when measured at the growth [CO₂]. When photosynthesis was measured at a common ambient [CO₂], photosynthesis of plants grown at elevated [CO₂] was reduced, on average, 21% relative to ambient-grown trees, but variability was high. The evidence linking photosynthetic acclimation in trees with changes at the biochemical level is examined, along with anatomical and morphological changes in trees that impact leaf- and canopy-level photosynthetic response to CO₂ enrichment. Nutrient limitations and variations in sink strength appear to influence photosynthetic acclimation, but the evidence in trees for one predominant factor controlling acclimation is lacking. Regardless of the mechanisms that underlie photosynthetic acclimation, it is doubtful that this response will be complete. A new focus on adjustments to rising [CO₂] at canopy, stand, and forest scales is needed to predict ecosystem response to a changing environment.Abbreviations A/C_i photosynthesis as a function of internal [CO₂] - J_max maximum rate of electron transport - Rubisco ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase - Vc_max maximum rate of carboxylation The U.S. Government right to retain a non-exclusive, royalty free licence in and to any copyright is acknowledged.     

CARBON FIXATION IN CULTURED MARINE BENTHIC DIATOMS1

The enzyme activity of ribulose 1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (RuBisCO) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) was measured in four species of marine benthic diatoms isolated from subtidal sediments of Graveline Bayou, Mississippi. Enzyme activities were measured in cultures of Amphora micrometra Giffen, A. tenerrima Aleem and Hustedt, Nitzschia fontifuga Cholnoky, and Nitzschia vermicularis Grunow that were grown at light levels supporting μ_max and at light-limiting irradiances. All four species exhibited similar RuBisCO: PEP ratios (range = 1–1.8) at μ_max the lowest ratio (0.4) was observed in A. micrometra. Reduced light levels increased PEPC relative to that measured at μ_max in two species. Two-dimensional paper chromatography was used to determine the first products of carbon fixation in A. micrometra After a 15 s incorporation period, the first product of photosynthetic carbon fixation was 3-phosphoglycerate even though this alga had a PEPC activity that was three times higher than that of RuBisCO. After 30 s, over 50% of the recovered radioactivity was still in this compound. Stable carbon isotope analyses of a mixture of the four pennate diatoms also suggest the predominant carbon fixation pathway in these benthic diatoms was similar to C3 plants.