The photosynthetic pathway of the roots of twelve epiphytic orchids with CAM leaves |
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Authors: | CE Martin EJ Mas C Lu BL Ong |
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Institution: | (1) Taiwan Forestry Research Institute, 53 Nanhai Rd, Taipei, 10066, Taiwan, ROC;(2) Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA;(3) Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, 88 Ting-Chou Road, Section 4, Taipei, 116, Taiwan, ROC |
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Abstract: | The photosynthetic pathway of the roots (both the white velamentous main portions and the green, nonvelamentous tips) was
investigated in twelve taxa (natural species and intergeneric hybrid cultivars) of epiphytic orchids having CAM leaves. All
organs contained chlorophyll, and the a/b ratios indicate that the organs, especially the roots, are likely shade-adapted. Stable carbon isotope ratios of the tissues
were near −15‰ for all organs, a value typical of obligate (constitutive) CAM plants. Values for root tissues were slightly
lower (more negative) than those of the leaves. The presence of CAM in the leaves of these orchids did not ensure that their
roots performed CAM photosynthesis. Further work is needed to address the questions raised in this study and to determine
if the photosynthetic roots of these taxa are capable of assimilating atmospheric CO2. |
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Keywords: | |
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