Drought Adaptation in Opuntia basilaris: Significance of Recycling Carbon through Crassulacean Acid Metabolism |
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| Authors: | Szarek S R Johnson H B Ting I P |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Biology and the Philip L. Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center, University of California, Riverside, California 92502. |
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| Abstract: | Contrasting metabolic regimes operate in Opuntia basilaris Engelm. and Bigelov, before and after precipitation. During periods of drought, atmospheric CO2 exchange and transpiration are greatly reduced throughout the day/night cycle by stomatal closure and a highly impervious cuticle. The hypothesis is that endogenously produced CO2 is retained and recycled through dark CO2 fixation, organic acid transformations, photosynthesis, and respiration. Immediately following precipitation, nighttime stomatal opening is initiated, permitting increased atmospheric CO2 assimilation and organic acid synthesis. |
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