Isoprene decreases the concentration of nitric oxide in leaves exposed to elevated ozone

Isoprene reduces visible damage (necrosis) of leaves caused by exposure to ozone but the mechanism is not known. Here we show that in Phragmites leaves isoprene emission was stimulated after a 3-h exposure to high ozone levels. The photosynthetic apparatus of leaves in which isoprene emission was inhibited by fosmidomycin became more susceptible to damage by ozone than in isoprene-emitting leaves. Three days after ozone fumigation, the necrotic leaf area was significantly higher in isoprene-inhibited leaves than in isoprene-emitting leaves. Isoprene-inhibited leaves also accumulated high amounts of nitric oxide (NO), as detected by epifluorescence light microscopy. Our results confirm that oxidative stresses activate biosynthesis and emission of chloroplastic isoprenoid, bringing further evidence in support of an antioxidant role for these compounds. It is suggested that, in nature, the simultaneous quenching of NO and reactive oxygen species by isoprene may be a very effective mechanism to control dangerous compounds formed under abiotic stress conditions, while simultaneously attenuating the induction of the hypersensitive response leading to cellular damage and death.     

Stabilization of thylakoid membranes in isoprene-emitting plants reduces formation of reactive oxygen species

Isoprene is emitted by a significant fraction of the world''s vegetation. Isoprene makes leaves more thermotolerant, yet we do not fully understand how. We have recently shown that isoprene stabilizes thylakoid membranes under heat stress. Here we show that heat-stressed, isoprene-emitting transgenic Arabidopsis plants also produce a lower pool of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species, and that this was especially due to a lower accumulation of H₂O₂ in isoprene emitting plants. It remains difficult to disentangle whether in heat stressed plants isoprene also directly reacts with and quenches reactive oxygen species (ROS), or reduces ROS formation by stabilizing thylakoids. We present considerations that make the latter a more likely mechanism, under our experimental circumstances.          

Linking isoprene with plant thermotolerance, antioxidants and monoterpene emissions

The purpose of the present study was to test the possible plant thermotolerance role of isoprene and to study its relationship with non-enzymatic antioxidants and terpene emissions. The gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, extent of photo- and oxidative stress, leaf damage, mechanisms of photo- and antioxidant protection, and terpene emission were measured in leaves of Quercus ilex seedlings exposed to a ramp of temperatures of 5 °C steps from 25 to 50 °C growing with and without isoprene (10 µL L⁻¹) fumigation. The results showed that isoprene actually conferred thermotolerance (shifted the decrease of net photosynthetic rates from 35 to 45 °C, increased F_v/F_m at 50 °C from 0.38 to 0.65, and decreased the leaf area damaged from 27 to 15%), that it precluded or delayed the enhancement of the antioxidant non-enzymatic defence conferred by α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid or β-carotene consumption in response to increasing temperatures, and that it decreased by approximately 70% the emissions of monoterpenes at the highest temperatures. This suggests that there are inducible mechanisms triggered by the initial stages of thermal damage that up-regulate these antioxidant compounds at high temperatures and that these mechanisms are somehow suppressed in the presence of exogenous isoprene, which seems to already exert an antioxidant-like behaviour.     

Within‐plant isoprene oxidation confirmed by direct emissions of oxidation products methyl vinyl ketone and methacrolein

Isoprene is emitted from many terrestrial plants at high rates, accounting for an estimated 1/3 of annual global volatile organic compound emissions from all anthropogenic and biogenic sources combined. Through rapid photooxidation reactions in the atmosphere, isoprene is converted to a variety of oxidized hydrocarbons, providing higher order reactants for the production of organic nitrates and tropospheric ozone, reducing the availability of oxidants for the breakdown of radiatively active trace gases such as methane, and potentially producing hygroscopic particles that act as effective cloud condensation nuclei. However, the functional basis for plant production of isoprene remains elusive. It has been hypothesized that in the cell isoprene mitigates oxidative damage during the stress‐induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but the products of isoprene‐ROS reactions in plants have not been detected. Using pyruvate‐2‐¹³C leaf and branch feeding and individual branch and whole mesocosm flux studies, we present evidence that isoprene (i) is oxidized to methyl vinyl ketone and methacrolein (i_ox) in leaves and that i_ox/i emission ratios increase with temperature, possibly due to an increase in ROS production under high temperature and light stress. In a primary rainforest in Amazonia, we inferred significant in plant isoprene oxidation (despite the strong masking effect of simultaneous atmospheric oxidation), from its influence on the vertical distribution of i_ox uptake fluxes, which were shifted to low isoprene emitting regions of the canopy. These observations suggest that carbon investment in isoprene production is larger than that inferred from emissions alone and that models of tropospheric chemistry and biota–chemistry–climate interactions should incorporate isoprene oxidation within both the biosphere and the atmosphere with potential implications for better understanding both the oxidizing power of the troposphere and forest response to climate change.     

Thermotolerance of Leaf Discs from Four Isoprene-Emitting Species Is Not Enhanced by Exposure to Exogenous Isoprene

The effects of exogenously supplied isoprene on chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics were examined in leaf discs of four isoprene-emitting plant species, kudzu (Pueraria lobata [Willd.] Ohwi.), velvet bean (Mucuna sp.), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), and pussy willow (Salix discolor Muhl). Isoprene, supplied to the leaves at either 18 μL L⁻¹ in compressed air or 21 μL L⁻¹ in N₂, had no effect on the temperature at which minimal fluorescence exhibited an upward inflection during controlled increases in leaf-disc temperature. During exposure to 1008 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹ in an N₂ atmosphere, 21 μL L⁻¹ isoprene had no effect on the thermally induced inflection of steady-state fluorescence. The maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry decreased sharply as leaf-disc temperature was increased; however, this decrease was unaffected by exposure of leaf discs to 21 μL L⁻¹ isoprene. Therefore, there were no discernible effects of isoprene on the occurrence of symptoms of high-temperature damage to thylakoid membranes. Our data do not support the hypothesis that isoprene enhances leaf thermotolerance.     

Endogenous isoprene protects Phragmites australis leaves against singlet oxygen

The possible protective role of endogenous isoprene against oxidative stress caused by singlet oxygen (¹O₂) was studied in the isoprene‐emitting plant Phragmites australis. Leaves emitting isoprene and leaves in which isoprene synthesis was inhibited by fosmidomycin were exposed to increasing concentrations of ¹O₂ generated by Rose Bengal (RB) sensitizer at different light intensities. In isoprene‐emitting leaves, photosynthesis and H₂O₂ and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) contents were not affected by low to moderate ¹O₂ concentrations generated at light intensities of 800 and 1240 µmol m^?2 s^?1, but symptoms of damage and reactive oxygen accumulation started to be observed when high levels of ¹O₂ were generated by very high light intensity (1810 µmol m^?2 s^?1). A dramatic decrease in photosynthetic performance and an increase in H₂O₂ and MDA levels were measured in isoprene‐inhibited RB‐fed leaves, but photosynthesis was not significantly inhibited in leaves in which the isoprene leaf pool was reconstituted by fumigating exogenous isoprene. The inhibition of photosynthesis in isoprene‐inhibited leaves was linearly associated with the light intensity and with the consequently formed ¹O₂. Hence, physiological levels of endogenous isoprene may supply protection against ¹O₂. The protection mechanisms may involve a direct reaction of isoprene with ¹O₂. Moreover, as it is a small lipophilic molecule, it may assist hydrophobic interactions in membranes, resulting in their stabilization. The isoprene‐conjugated double bond structure may also quench ¹O₂ by facilitating energy transfer and heat dissipation. This action is typical of other isoprenoids, but we speculate that isoprene may provide a more dynamic protection mechanism as it is synthesized promptly when high light intensity produces ¹O₂.     

Root isoprene formation alters lateral root development

Isoprene is a C5 volatile organic compound, which can protect aboveground plant tissue from abiotic stress such as short-term high temperatures and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we uncover new roles for isoprene in the plant belowground tissues. By analysing Populus x canescens isoprene synthase (PcISPS) promoter reporter plants, we discovered PcISPS promoter activity in certain regions of the roots including the vascular tissue, the differentiation zone and the root cap. Treatment of roots with auxin or salt increased PcISPS promoter activity at these sites, especially in the developing lateral roots (LR). Transgenic, isoprene non-emitting poplar roots revealed an accumulation of O₂⁻ in the same root regions where PcISPS promoter activity was localized. Absence of isoprene emission, moreover, increased the formation of LRs. Inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase activity suppressed LR development, suggesting the involvement of ROS in this process. The analysis of the fine root proteome revealed a constitutive shift in the amount of several redox balance, signalling and development related proteins, such as superoxide dismutase, various peroxidases and linoleate 9S-lipoxygenase, in isoprene non-emitting poplar roots. Together our results indicate for isoprene a ROS-related function, eventually co-regulating the plant-internal signalling network and development processes in root tissue.     

Isoprene Increases Thermotolerance of Isoprene-Emitting Species

Isoprene-emitting plants lose a large portion of their assimilated C as isoprene. Because isoprene synthesis can be regulated, it has been assumed that isoprene benefits the plant. Since the rate of isoprene emission from leaves is highly responsive to temperature, we hypothesized that isoprene benefits plants by increasing their thermotolerance. We used three methods to measure isopreneinduced thermotolerance in leaves. Each technique assayed thermotolerance under conditions that suppressed endogenous isoprene synthesis. When measured by chlorophyll fluorescence, thermotolerance of kudzu (Pueraria lobata [Willd.] Ohwi.) leaves increased as much as 4[deg]C in very low light. With higher light, isoprene increased thermotolerance of kudzu leaves by as much as 10[deg]C. When measured as the temperature at which photosynthesis declined to zero, thermotolerance increased with added isoprene by 2.5[deg]C. All three measures of thermotolerance were dose dependent. Both fluorescence techniques also showed isoprene-induced thermotolerance in white oak (Quercus alba L.). Thermotolerance was not observed in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris var Linden), a species that does not emit isoprene. None of the experiments was designed to determine the mechanism of thermotolerance, but we theorize that isoprene functions by enhancing hydrophobic interactions in membranes.     

Effect of growth conditions on isoprene emission and other thermotolerance‐enhancing compounds

Isoprene is emitted from the leaves of many plants in a light‐dependent and temperature‐sensitive manner. Plants lose a large fraction of photo‐assimilated carbon as isoprene but may benefit from improved recovery of photosynthesis following high‐temperature episodes. The capacity for isoprene emission of plants in natural conditions (assessed as the rate of isoprene emission under standard conditions) varies with weather. Temperature‐controlled greenhouses were used to study the role of temperature and light in influencing the capacity of oak leaves for isoprene synthesis. A comparison was made between the capacity for isoprene emission and the accumulation of other compounds suggested to increase thermotolerance of photosynthesis under two growth temperatures and two growth light intensities. It was found that the capacity for isoprene emission was increased by high temperature or high light. Xanthophyll cycle intermediates increased in high light, but not in high temperature, and the chloroplast small heat‐shock protein was not expressed in any of the growth conditions. Thus, of the three thermotolerance‐enhancing compounds studied, isoprene was the only one induced by the temperature used in this study.     

Stress-induced changes in carbon sources for isoprene production in Populus deltoides

Isoprene is emitted from leaves of numerous plant species and has important implications for plant metabolism and atmospheric chemistry. The ability to use stored carbon (alternative carbon sources), as opposed to recently assimilated photosynthate, for isoprene production may be important as plants routinely experience photosynthetic depression in response to environmental stress. A CO₂‐labelling study was performed and stable isotopes of carbon were used to examine the role of alternative carbon sources in isoprene production in Populus deltoides during conditions of water stress and high leaf temperature. Isotopic fractionation during isoprene production was higher in heat‐ and water‐stressed leaves (?8.5 and ?9.3‰, respectively) than in unstressed controls (?2.5 to ?3.2‰). In unstressed plants, 84–88% of the carbon in isoprene was derived from recently assimilated photosynthate. A significant shift in the isoprene carbon composition from photosynthate to alternative carbon sources was observed only under severe photosynthetic limitation (stomatal conductance < 0.05 mol m^?2 s^?1). The contribution of photosynthate to isoprene production decreased to 77 and 61% in heat‐ and water‐stressed leaves, respectively. Across water‐ and heat‐stress experiments, allocation of photosynthate was negatively correlated to the ratio of isoprene emission to photosynthesis. In water‐stressed plants, the use of alternative carbon was also related to stomatal conductance. It has been proposed that isoprene emission may be regulated by substrate availability. Thus, understanding carbon partitioning to isoprene production from multiple sources is essential for building predictive models of isoprene emission.     

Isoprene and nitric oxide reduce damages in leaves exposed to oxidative stress

Isoprene and nitric oxide (NO) are two volatile molecules that are produced in leaves. Both compounds were suggested to have an important protective role against stresses. We tested, in two isoprene-emitting species, Populus nigra and Phragmites australis, whether: (1) NO emission outside leaves is measurable and is affected by oxidative stresses; and (2) isoprene and NO protect leaves against oxidative stresses, both singularly and in combination. The emission of NO was undetectable, and the compensation point was very low in control poplar leaves. Both emission and compensation point increased dramatically in stressed leaves. NO emission was inversely associated with stomatal conductance. More NO was emitted in leaves that were isoprene-inhibited, and more isoprene was emitted when NO was reduced by NO scavenger c-PTIO. Both isoprene and NO reduced oxidative damages. Isoprene-emitting leaves which were also fumigated with NO, or treated with NO donor, showed low damage to photosynthesis, a reduced accumulation of H(2)O(2) and a reduced membrane denaturation. We conclude that measurable amounts of NO are only produced and emitted by stressed leaves, that both isoprene and NO are effective antioxidant molecules and that an additional protection is achieved when both molecules are released.     

Light and temperature dependence of the emission of cyclic and acyclic monoterpenes from holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) leaves

In a laboratory study, we investigated the monoterpene emissions from Quercus ilex, an evergreen sclerophyllous Mediterranean oak species whose emissions are light dependent. We examined the light and temperature responses of individual monoterpenes emitted from leaves under various conditions, the effect of heat stress on emissions, and the emission-onset during leaf development. Emission rate increased 10-fold during leaf growth, with slight changes in the composition. At 30 °C and saturating light, the monoterpene emission rate from mature leaves averaged 4·1 nmol m^–2 s^–1, of which α-pinene, sabinene and β-pinene accounted for 85%. The light dependence of emission was similar for all monoterpenes: it resembled the light saturation curve of CO₂ assimilation, although monoterpene emission continued in the dark. Temperature dependence differed among emitted compounds: most of them exhibited an exponential increase up to 35 °C, a maximum at 42 °C, and a slight decline at higher temperatures. However, the two acyclic isomers cis-β-ocimene and trans-β-ocimene were hardly detected below 35 °C, but their emission rates increased above this temperature as the emission rates of other compounds fell, so that total emission of monoterpenes exponentially increased from 5 to 45 °C. The ratio between ocimene isomers and other compounds increased with both absolute temperature and time of heat exposure. The light dependence of emission was insensitive to the temperature at which it was measured, and vice versa the temperature dependence was insensitive to the light regime. The results demonstrated that none of the models currently applied to simulate isoprene or monoterpene emissions correctly predicts the short-term effects of light and temperature on Q. ilex emissions. The percentage of fixed carbon lost immediately as monoterpenes ranged between 0·1 and 6·0% depending on temperature, but rose up to 20% when leaves were continuously exposed to temperatures between 40 and 45 °C.     

Enhanced isoprene-related tolerance of heat- and light-stressed photosynthesis at low, but not high, CO2 concentrations

The principal function of isoprene biosynthesis in plants remains unclear, but emission rates are positively correlated with temperature and light, supporting a role for isoprene in maintaining photosynthesis under transient heat and light stress from sunflecks. Isoprene production is also inversely correlated with CO(2) concentrations, implying that rising CO(2) may reduce the functional importance of isoprene. To understand the importance of isoprene in maintaining photosynthesis during sunflecks, we used RNAi technology to suppress isoprene production in poplar seedlings and compared the responses of these transgenic plants to wild-type and empty-vector control plants. We grew isoprene-emitting and non-emitting trees at low (190 ppm) and high (590 ppm) CO(2) concentrations and compared their photosynthetic responses to short, transient periods of high light and temperature, as well as their photosynthetic thermal response at constant light. While there was little difference between emitting and non-emitting plants in their photosynthetic responses to simulated sunflecks at high CO(2), isoprene-emitting trees grown at low CO(2) had significantly greater photosynthetic sunfleck tolerance than non-emitting plants. Net photosynthesis at 42°C was 50% lower in non-emitters than in isoprene-emitting trees at low CO(2), but only 22% lower at high CO(2). Dark respiration rates were significantly higher in non-emitting poplar from low CO(2), but there was no difference between isoprene-emitting and non-emitting lines at high CO(2). We propose that isoprene biosynthesis may have evolved at low CO(2) concentrations, where its physiological effect is greatest, and that rising CO(2) will reduce the functional benefit of isoprene in the near future.     

低钾胁迫对番茄叶片活性氧及抗氧化酶系的影响

以2种不同低钾耐性大果番茄(钾敏感型番茄081018和耐低钾型番茄081034)为材料,比较低钾处理下2种番茄叶片中活性氧产生及抗氧化酶系活性和相关基因表达差异,明确植物叶片对低钾胁迫的响应机制.结果显示:(1)钾敏感型番茄在低钾胁迫时,叶片中各种保护酶(SOD及其同工酶、POD、CAT、APX)活性随处理时间延长呈下降趋势,同时活性氧(O2-、H2O2)和MDA含量急剧增加;耐低钾型番茄在低钾胁迫条件下,其各类保护酶活性均比对照水平有所升高,而且O2-、H2O2和MDA的含量增加也较少.(2)钾敏感型番茄在低钾胁迫时叶片内Cu/Zn-SOD、CAT和APX基因的相对表达量均有下降趋势,而同期耐低钾型番茄在低钾胁迫时Cu/Zn-SOD、CAT和APX的表达却明显增加,这与其对应的酶活性变化趋势同步.研究表明,低钾胁迫使耐低钾型番茄具有较高保护酶基因表达量,产生较高的保护酶活性,可降低活性氧的破坏作用,防止膜渗透性增加,使之对低钾的适应性较强,而钾敏感番茄品系则相反.     

Photosynthesis and isoprene emission from trees along an urban–rural gradient in Texas

Isoprene emission is an important mechanism for improving the thermotolerance of plant photosystems as temperatures increase. In this study, we measured photosynthesis and isoprene emission in trees along an urban–rural gradient that serves as a proxy for climate change, to understand daily and seasonal responses to changes in temperature and other environmental variables. Leaf‐level gas exchange and basal isoprene emission of post oak (Quercus stellata) and sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) were recorded at regular intervals over an entire growing season at urban, suburban, and rural sites in eastern Texas. In addition, the temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration experienced by leaves were experimentally manipulated in spring, early summer, and late summer. We found that trees experienced lower stomatal conductance and photosynthesis and higher isoprene emission, at the urban and suburban sites compared to the rural site. Path analysis indicated a daily positive effect of isoprene emission on photosynthesis, but unexpectedly, higher isoprene emission from urban trees was not associated with improved photosynthesis as temperatures increased during the growing season. Furthermore, urban trees experienced relatively higher isoprene emission at high CO₂ concentrations, while isoprene emission was suppressed at the other sites. These results suggest that isoprene emission may be less beneficial in urban, and potentially future, environmental conditions, particularly if higher temperatures override the suppressive effects of high CO₂ on isoprene emission. These are important considerations for modeling future biosphere–atmosphere interactions and for understanding tree physiological responses to climate change.     

Enhanced tolerance of photosynthesis against high temperature damage in salt-adapted halophyte Atriplex centralasiatica plants

Thermotolerance of photosynthesis in salt‐adapted Atriplex centralasiatica plants (100–400 mm NaCl) was evaluated in this study after detached leaves and whole plants were exposed to high temperature stress (30–48 °C) either in the dark or under high light (1200 mol m^?2 s^?1). In parallel with the decrease in stomatal conductance, intercellular CO₂ concentration and CO₂ assimilation rate decreased significantly with increasing salt concentration. There was no change in the maximal efficiency of PSII photochemistry (F_v/F_m) with increasing salt concentration, suggesting that there was no damage to PSII in salt‐adapted plants. On the other hand, there was a striking difference in the response of PSII and CO₂ assimilation capacity to heat stress in non‐salt‐adapted and salt‐adapted leaves. Leaves from salt‐adapted plants maintained significantly higher F_v/F_m values than those from non‐salt‐adapted leaves at temperatures higher than 42 °C. The F_v/F_m differences between non‐salt‐adapted and salt‐adapted plants persisted for at least 24 h following heat stress. Leaves from salt‐adapted plants also maintained a higher net CO₂ assimilation rate than those in non‐salt‐adapted plants at temperatures higher than 42 °C. This increased thermotolerance was independent of the degree of salinity since no significant changes in F_v/F_m and net CO₂ assimilation rate were observed among the plants treated with different concentrations of NaCl. The increased thermotolerance of PSII induced by salinity was still evident when heat treatments were carried out under high light. Given that photosynthesis is considered to be the physiological process most sensitive to high temperature damage, increased thermotolerance of photosynthesis may be of significance since A. centralasiatica, a typical halophyte, grows in the high salinity regions in the north of China, where the temperature in the summer is often as high as 45 °C.     

沙芥属植物活性氧清除系统对干旱胁迫的响应

以沙芥属植物沙芥和斧形沙芥幼苗为试材,采用盆栽控水干旱方法,分析其在不同干旱胁迫强度下根和叶的活性氧水平、抗氧化酶活性和抗氧化剂含量的变化,并利用隶属函数法和抗旱系数法综合评价沙芥和斧形沙芥的抗旱性。结果表明: （1）随着干旱胁迫程度的加剧,沙芥和斧形沙芥的根和叶中O^-·₂产生速率及·OH、H₂O₂、MDA含量总体呈逐渐升高的趋势,且干旱胁迫下沙芥比斧形沙芥产生了更多的ROS和MDA。（2）随着干旱胁迫程度的加剧,沙芥和斧形沙芥的根和叶中POD、APX、GST活性及叶中GR活性均先升高后降低,叶中的SOD活性以及根中GR、GPX活性均先降低后升高,根和叶中的CAT活性、叶中的GPX活性和根中SOD活性均逐渐升高;但根和叶中的SOD、POD、CAT活性在各干旱处理下均表现为斧形沙芥高于沙芥。（3）沙芥和斧形沙芥的根和叶中AsA含量随着干旱胁迫程度的加剧而先升高后降低,GSH含量逐渐升高,CAR含量逐渐降低,而VE含量在叶中逐渐升高,在根中却逐渐降低;但斧形沙芥比沙芥合成更多的AsA和GSH,其植物体内AsA GSH循环系统能清除更多的ROS。（4）沙芥和斧形沙芥的根和叶中总抗氧化能力（T AOC）均随着干旱加剧逐渐增强,且斧形沙芥的总抗氧化能力强于沙芥;活性氧清除系统的平均隶属度和综合抗旱系数显示,轻度干旱胁迫下沙芥抗旱性强于斧形沙芥,中度和重度干旱胁迫下斧形沙芥的抗旱性强于沙芥。研究认为,在干旱胁迫条件下,斧形沙芥根叶中ROS和MDA含量明显低于沙芥,而其大部分抗氧化酶活性和抗氧化剂含量高于沙芥,斧形沙芥植株体内抗氧化系统表现出更强的活性氧清除能力,从而表现出更强的抗旱性。     

Use of carbon-11 in Populus shows that exogenous jasmonic acid increases biosynthesis of isoprene from recently fixed carbon

A new approach for pulse labelling of plants using the short-lived positron emitting radioisotope carbon-11 (half-life: 20.4 min) as ¹¹CO₂ is reported together with its application to measuring [¹¹C]isoprene emissions from intact leaves capturing information associated with: (1) rate of emission; (2) the relative contribution of recently fixed carbon to isoprene biosynthesis; and (3) the transit time for tracer movement through the leaf and biochemical pathways associated with isoprene biosynthesis. This approach was applied to study the response of certain Populus species to exogenous treatments of jasmonic acid (JA), a plant hormone implicated in signal transduction linked to defence response against herbivory. Twelve hours after treatment of single intact leaves of aspen (Populus tremuloides) with a 1 m m JA spray, isoprene emissions from those leaves increased 1.5 times the controls from 35.4 ± 2.2 to 53.1 ± 4.8 nmol m⁻² s⁻¹. [¹¹C]Isoprene emissions from the same leaves, reflecting the isoprene that was derived from recently fixed carbon, increased much more, to 2.2 times the controls. This increase coincided with a change in emitted [¹¹C]isoprene from 0.31 to 0.68% of ¹¹C fixed in the leaf tissue, while the tracer transit time remained constant at 12.5 min. These results suggest that JA had no effect on enzyme kinetics involved in isoprene biosynthesis, but did impact the source of recent carbon feeding that pathway. Studies with poplar (Populus nigra clone NC 5271) showed similar trends in systemic emissions (from an untreated leaf on the same plant).     

A model of isoprene emission based on energetic requirements for isoprene synthesis and leaf photosynthetic properties for Liquidambar and Quercus

We present a physiological model of isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) emission which considers the cost for isoprene synthesis, and the production of reductive equivalents in reactions of photosynthetic electron transport for Liquidambar styraciflua L. and for North American and European deciduous temperate Quercus species. In the model, we differentiate between leaf morphology (leaf dry mass per area, M_A, g m ^{? 2}) altering the content of enzymes of isoprene synthesis pathway per unit leaf area, and biochemical potentials of average leaf cells determining their capacity for isoprene emission. Isoprene emission rate per unit leaf area ( μ mol m ^{? 2} s ^{? 1}) is calculated as the product of M_A, the fraction of total electron flow used for isoprene synthesis ( ? , mol mol ^{? 1}), the rate of photosynthetic electron transport (J) per unit leaf dry mass (J_m, μ mol g ^{? 1} s ^{? 1}), and the reciprocal of the electron cost of isoprene synthesis [mol isoprene (mol electrons ^{? 1})]. The initial estimate of electron cost of isoprene synthesis is calculated according to the 1-deoxy- D -xylulose-5-phosphate pathway recently discovered in the chloroplasts, and is further modified to account for extra electron requirements because of photorespiration. The rate of photosynthetic electron transport is calculated by a process-based leaf photosynthesis model. A satisfactory fit to the light-dependence of isoprene emission is obtained using the light response curve of J, and a single value of ? , that is dependent on the isoprene synthase activity in the leaves. Temperature dependence of isoprene emission is obtained by combining the temperature response curves of photosynthetic electron transport, the shape of which is related to long-term temperature during leaf growth and development, and the specific activity of isoprene synthase, which is considered as essentially constant for all plants. The results of simulations demonstrate that the variety of temperature responses of isoprene emission observed within and among the species in previous studies may be explained by different optimum temperatures of J and/or limited maximum fraction of electrons used for isoprene synthesis. The model provides good fits to diurnal courses of field measurements of isoprene emission, and is also able to describe the changes in isoprene emission under stress conditions, for example, the decline in isoprene emission in water-stressed leaves.     

Evolutionary significance of isopreneemission from mosses

Isoprene emission has been documented and characterized from species in all major groups of vascular plants. We report in our survey that isoprene emission is much more common in mosses and ferns than later divergent land plants but is absent in liverworts and hornworts. The light and temperature responses of isoprene emission from Sphagnum capillifolium (Ehrh.) Hedw. are similar to those of other land plants. Isoprene increases thermotolerance of S. capillifolium to the same extent seen in higher plants as measured by chlorophyll fluorescence. Sphagnum species in a northern Wisconsin bog experienced large temperature fluctuations similar to those reported in tree canopies. Since isoprene has been shown to help plants cope with large, rapid temperature fluctuations, we hypothesize the thermal and correlated dessication stress experienced by early land plants provided the selective pressure for the evolution of light-dependent isoprene emission in the ancestors of modern mosses. As plants radiated into different habitats, this capacity was lost multiple times in favor of other thermal protective mechanisms.