Characteristics of C4 photosynthesis in stems and petioles of C3 flowering plants

The Enzyme Kinetics of the NADP-Malic Enzyme from Tobacco Leaves

Malic enzyme (L-malate: NADP+ oxidoreductase (oxaloacetate-decarboxylating), EC 1.1.1.40, NADP-ME), which was found in chloroplasts, was isolated from tobacco leaves (Nicotiana tabacum L.) almost homogenous. The specific enzyme activity was 0.95 μmol min-1 mg-1. The enzyme pH optimum was found between pH 7.1 and 7.4. The affinity of NADP-ME to substrates (L-malate and NADP+) was evaluated in the presence of divalent metal ions (Mg2+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+). The value of the apparent Michaelis constant of NADP-ME for L-malate was dependent on the ion cofactor, while no such relationship was found for NADP+. The dependence of the reaction rate on concentration of Mg2+ indicates the presence of more than one binding site for these ions in NADP-ME. Likewise, the sigmoidal dependence of the reaction rate on Mn2+ concentration and the value of Hill coefficient 7.5 indicate the positive cooperativity of the reaction kinetics in the presence of the ions. The effect of Co2+ and Ni2+ ions was analogous to that of Mn2+ ions; however, the cooperativity was lower (the values of Hill coefficients were 3.0 and 1.3 for Co2+ and Ni2+, respectively). Regulation of NADP-ME from tobacco leaves by divalent metal ions is discussed.

Evidence for active cyclic electron flow in twig chlorenchyma in the presence of an extremely deficient linear electron transport activity

Fast and slow chlorophyll fluorescence induction curves at high and low actinic visible light, post-illumination changes in fluorescence yield and reflectance changes at 820 nm induced by far-red light were used to characterize the state of PSII and PSI and their electron transport capabilities in chlorophyllous twig cortices of Eleagnus angustifolius L., while corresponding leaves served as controls. Twigs displayed low dark-adapted PSII photochemical efficiencies and particularly low linear electron transport rates when illuminated. In addition, their PSII population was characterized by a high proportion of inactive, non-Q(B)-reducing centers and an incomplete quenching of fluorescence during the slow induction phase. It is suggested that PSII in twigs is an inefficient electron donor to PSI and/or the reductive pentose phosphate cycle. Yet, in spite of this apparent PSII deficiency, pools of intermediate electron carriers and potential PSI activity were more than sufficient to support the observed linear electron transport rates. Moreover, the rate of PSI reduction upon far-red/dark transitions and the magnitude of fluorescence yield increase upon white light/dark transitions were compatible with an efficient electron flow to PSI from stromal donors in the absence of PSII activity. We conclude that corticular chlorenchyma may be actively engaged in cyclic at the expense of a linear electron flow and discuss the possible physiological significance of this finding in conjunction with the particular microenvironmental conditions encountered within twigs.

The Arabidopsis PPDK gene is transcribed from two promoters to produce differentially expressed transcripts responsible for cytosolic and plastidic proteins

Pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) is a critical enzyme for C(4) photosynthesis, providing the primary acceptor for fixation of bicarbonate in mesophyll cells. Although first isolated in C(4) plants, it is also present in C(3) species. We report that the single gene encoding PPDK in Arabidopsis thaliana possesses two promoters, giving rise to two types of transcript. The longer transcript is generated from a promoter upstream of the first exon, while the shorter transcript is derived from a promoter found within the first intron of the longer form. Apart from 5' untranslated regions, the presence of the first exon, and three missing codons at the start of the second exon in the longer form, the transcripts are identical. Fusions between the two forms of transcript and gfp showed that the longer transcript encodes a protein targeted to the chloroplast, that its first exon acts as a transit peptide, and that the smaller protein is cytosolic. Abundance of the shorter transcript, responsible for producing the cytosolic protein increases rapidly and specifically during extended dark and dark-induced senescence. Transcripts for both chloroplastic and cytosolic proteins were detectable in cotyledons, while in cauline leaves the transcript encoding the chloroplastic protein was most abundant. We propose that in cotyledons PPDK may be important in supplying PEP to gluconeogenesis, and in ageing leaves it allows remobilisation of nitrogen to supply reproductive tissue.

Tocopherols play a crucial role in low-temperature adaptation and Phloem loading in Arabidopsis

To test whether tocopherols (vitamin E) are essential in the protection against oxidative stress in plants, a series of Arabidopsis thaliana vitamin E (vte) biosynthetic mutants that accumulate different types and levels of tocopherols and pathway intermediates were analyzed under abiotic stress. Surprisingly subtle differences were observed between the tocopherol-deficient vte2 mutant and the wild type during high-light, salinity, and drought stresses. However, vte2, and to a lesser extent vte1, exhibited dramatic phenotypes under low temperature (i.e., increased anthocyanin levels and reduced growth and seed production). That these changes were independent of light level and occurred in the absence of photoinhibition or lipid peroxidation suggests that the mechanisms involved are independent of tocopherol functions in photoprotection. Compared with the wild type, vte1 and vte2 had reduced rates of photoassimilate export as early as 6 h into low-temperature treatment, increased soluble sugar levels by 60 h, and increased starch and reduced photosynthetic electron transport rate by 14 d. The rapid reduction in photoassimilate export in vte2 coincides with callose deposition exclusively in phloem parenchyma transfer cell walls adjacent to the companion cell/sieve element complex. Together, these results indicate that tocopherols have a more limited role in photoprotection than previously assumed but play crucial roles in low-temperature adaptation and phloem loading.

Stem CO2 release under illumination: corticular photosynthesis, photorespiration or inhibition of mitochondrial respiration?

In illuminated stems and branches, CO2 release is often reduced. Many light-triggered processes are thought to contribute to this reduction, namely photorespiration, corticular photosynthesis or even an inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. In this study, we investigated these processes with the objective to discriminate their influence to the overall reduction of branch CO2 release in the light. CO2 gas-exchange measurements of young birch (Betula pendula Roth.) branches (< 1.5 cm) performed under photorespiratory (20% O2) and non-photorespiratory (< 2%) conditions revealed that photorespiration does not play a pre-dominant role in carbon exchange. This suppression of photorespiration was attributed to the high CO2 concentrations (C(i)) within the bark tissues (1544 +/- 227 and 618 +/- 43 micromol CO2 mol(-1) in the dark and in the light, respectively). Changes in xylem CO2 were not likely to explain the observed decrease in stem CO2 release as gas-exchange measurements before and after cutting of the branches did not effect CO2 efflux to the atmosphere. Combined fluorescence and gas-exchange measurements provided evidence that the light-dependent reduction in CO2 release can pre-dominantly be attributed to corticular refixation, whereas an inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in the light is unlikely to occur. Corticular photosynthesis was able to refix up to 97% of the CO2 produced by branch respiration, although it rarely led to a positive net photosynthetic rate.

Characterization of the photosynthetic apparatus in cortical bark chlorenchyma of Scots pine

Winter-induced inhibition of photosynthesis in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needles is accompanied by a 65% reduction of the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII), measured as Fv/Fm, but relatively stable photosystem I (PSI) activity. In contrast, the photochemical efficiency of PSII in bark chlorenchyma of Scots pine twigs was shown to be well preserved, while PSI capacity was severely decreased. Low-temperature (77 K) chlorophyll fluorescence measurements also revealed lower relative fluorescence intensity emitted from PSI in bark chlorenchyma compared to needles regardless of the growing season. Nondenaturating SDS-PAGE analysis of the chlorophyll-protein complexes also revealed much lower abundance of LHCI and the CPI band related to light harvesting and the core complex of PSI, respectively, in bark chlorenchyma. These changes were associated with a 38% reduction in the total amount of chlorophyll in the bark chlorenchyma relative to winter needles, but the Chl a/b ratio and carotenoid composition were similar in the two tissues. As distinct from winter pine needles exhibiting ATP/ADP ratio of 11.3, the total adenylate content in winter bark chlorenchyma was 2.5-fold higher and the estimated ATP/ADP ratio was 20.7. The photochemical efficiency of PSII in needles attached to the twig recovered significantly faster (28-30 h) then in detached needles. Fluorescence quenching analysis revealed a high reduction state of Q(A) and the PQ-pool in the green bark tissue. The role of bark chlorenchyma and its photochemical performance during the recovery of photosynthesis from winter stress in Scots pine is discussed.

Organic substances in xylem sap delivered to above-ground organs by the roots

Squash (Cucurbita maxima) xylem sap, an apoplastic fluid, contains t-zeatin riboside, glutamine, methylglycine, myo-inositol, fructose, oligosaccharides of arabinogalactan, glucan, galacturonan, and pectins (rhamnogalacturonan-I and rhamnogalacturonan-II), as well as various proteins, including arabinogalactan and pathogen-related proteins. These substances are mainly produced in stele (xylem) parenchyma and the pericycle in the root-hair zone where ion transporter genes are expressed. Glycine-rich protein genes (CRGRPs) cloned by antiserum raised against whole xylem sap of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) were abundantly expressed in the parenchyma cells surrounding xylem vessels in the root-hair zone. CRGRP proteins accumulated and immobilized in the lignified walls of metaxylem vessels and perivascular fibers in shoots, suggesting a systemic delivery mechanism of wall materials via xylem sap. A major 30-kDa protein (XSP30) found in cucumber xylem sap was homologous to the B chains of a lectin (ricin) and bound to a nonfucosylated core N-acetylglucosamine dimer of N-linked glycoproteins abundant in leaf parenchyma cells. XSP30 gene expression, abundant in root xylem parenchyma and pericycle, and the level of XSP30 protein fluctuated diurnally under the control of a circadian clock, and the amplitude was up-regulated by gibberellic acid produced in young leaves, suggesting a long-distance control system between organs.

Effect of altitude on the primary products of photosynthesis and the associated enzymes in barley and wheat

There is little information available on the primary products of photosynthesis and the change in the activity of the associated enzymes with altitude. We studied the same in varieties of barley and wheat grown at 1300 (low altitude, LA) and 4200 m (high altitude, HA) elevations above mean sea level in the western Himalayas. Plants at both the locations had similar photosynthetic rates, leaf water potential and the chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics. The short-term radio-labelling experiments in leaves showed appearance of (14)CO(2) in phosphoglyceric acid and sugar phosphates in plants at both the LA and HA, suggesting a major role of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) in CO(2) fixation in the plants at two altitudes, whereas the appearance of labelled carbon in aspartate (Asp) and glutamate (Glu) at HA suggested a role of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase) in photosynthesis metabolism. Plants at HA had significantly higher activities of PEPCase, carboxylase and oxygenase activity of Rubisco, aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT), and glutamine synthetase (GS). However, the activities of malate dehydrogenase, NAD-malic enzyme and citrate synthase were similar at the two locations. Such an altered metabolism at HA suggested that PEPCase probably captured CO(2) directly from the atmosphere and/or that generated metabolically e.g. from photorespiration at HA. Higher oxygenase activity at HA suggests high photorespiratory activity. OAA thus produced could be additionally channelised for Asp synthesis using Glu as a source of ammonia. Higher GS activity ensures higher assimilation rate of NH(3) and the synthesis of Glu through GS-GOGAT (glutamine:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase) pathway, also as supported by the appearance of radiolabel in Glu at HA. Enhanced PEPCase activity coupled with higher activities of AspAT and GS suggests a role in conserving C and N in the HA environment.

Transgenic approaches to manipulate the environmental responses of the C3 carbon fixation cycle

The limitation to photosynthetic CO2 assimilation in C3 plants in hot, dry environments is dominated by ribulose 1.5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) because CO2 availability is restricted and photorespiration is stimulated. Using a combination of genetic engineering and transgenic technology, three approaches to reduce photorespiration have been taken; two of these focused on increasing the carboxylation efficiency of Rubisco either by reducing the oxygenase reaction directly or by manipulating the Rubisco enzyme by concentrating CO2 in the region of Rubisco through the introduction of enzymes of the C4 pathway. The third approach attempted to reduce photorespiration directly by manipulation of enzymes in this pathway. The progress in each of these areas is discussed, and the most promising approaches are highlighted. Under saturating CO2 conditions, Rubisco did not limit photosynthesis, and limitation shifted to ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) regeneration capacity of the C3 cycle. Transgenic analysis was used to identify the specific enzymes that may be targets for improving carbon fixation, and the way this may be exploited in the high CO2 future is considered.

Gibberellin regulates mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in rice

Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) is a negative regulator of the mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (mtPDC) that plays a key role in intermediary metabolism. OsPDK1 was identified as a gibberellin-up-regulated gene using a cDNA microarray. The full-length cDNA for OsPDK1 was 1498 bp and encoded a predicted polypeptide of 363 amino acids. Genomic DNA analysis showed the presence of another isoform of PDK, OsPDK2, in rice. Reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis revealed differential expression of the two isoforms. OsPDK1 was expressed in leaf blade and leaf sheath but not in callus and root, while OsPDK2 was expressed constitutively in all tissues examined. Maximum expression of OsPDK1 in leaf sheath was detected by Northern blot analysis when seedlings were treated with 5 microM GA3 for 24 h. OsPDK1 expression was up-regulated by GA3, and there was little effect of other plant hormones. Mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity was reduced compared with control plants in 2-week-old seedlings treated with GA3. The beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene, driven by a 2,067 bp OsPDK1 promoter region fragment, was mainly expressed in the aleurone layer of germinating seed and leaf sheath. Transgenic rice expressing PDK1 RNAi had altered vegetative growth with reduced accumulation of vegetative tissues. These results suggest that gibberellin modulates the activity of mtPDC by regulating OsPDK1 expression and subsequently controlling plant growth and development.

Nature's green revolution: the remarkable evolutionary rise of C4 plants

Plants with the C4 photosynthetic pathway dominate today's tropical savannahs and grasslands, and account for some 30% of global terrestrial carbon fixation. Their success stems from a physiological CO2-concentrating pump, which leads to high photosynthetic efficiency in warm climates and low atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Remarkably, their dominance of tropical environments was achieved in only the past 10 million years (Myr), less than 3% of the time that terrestrial plants have existed on Earth. We critically review the proposal that declining atmospheric CO2 triggered this tropical revolution via its effects on the photosynthetic efficiency of leaves. Our synthesis of the latest geological evidence from South Asia and North America suggests that this emphasis is misplaced. Instead, we find important roles for regional climate change and fire in South Asia, but no obvious environmental trigger for C4 success in North America. CO2-starvation is implicated in the origins of C4 plants 25-32 Myr ago, raising the possibility that the pathway evolved under more extreme atmospheric conditions experienced 10 times earlier. However, our geochemical analyses provide no evidence of the C4 mechanism at this time, although possible ancestral components of the C4 pathway are identified in ancient plant lineages. We suggest that future research must redress the substantial imbalance between experimental investigations and analyses of the geological record.

Leaf size modifies support biomass distribution among stems, petioles and mid-ribs in temperate plants

The implications of extensive variation in leaf size for biomass distribution between physiological and support tissues and for overall leaf physiological activity are poorly understood. Here, we tested the hypotheses that increases in leaf size result in enhanced whole-plant support investments, especially in compound-leaved species, and that accumulation of support tissues reduces average leaf nitrogen (N) content per unit dry mass (N(M)), a proxy for photosynthetic capacity. Leaf biomass partitioning among the lamina, mid-rib and petiole, and whole-plant investments in leaf support (within-leaf and stem) were studied in 33 simple-leaved and 11 compound-leaved species. Support investments in mid-ribs and petioles increased with leaf size similarly in simple leaves and leaflets of compound leaves, but the overall support mass fraction within leaves was larger in compound-leaved species as a result of prominent rachises. Within-leaf and within-plant support mass investments were negatively correlated. Therefore, the total plant support fraction was independent of leaf size and lamina dissection. Because of the lower N(M) of support biomass, the difference in N(M) between the entire leaf and the photosynthetic lamina increased with leaf size. We conclude that whole-plant support costs are weakly size-dependent, but accumulation of support structures within the leaf decreases whole-leaf average N(M), potentially reducing the integrated photosynthetic activity of larger leaves.

Stem photosynthesis not pressurized ventilation is responsible for light-enhanced oxygen supply to submerged roots of alder (Alnus glutinosa)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Claims that submerged roots of alder and other wetland trees are aerated by pressurized gas flow generated in the stem by a light-induced thermo-osmosis have seemed inconsistent with root anatomy. Our aim was to seek a verification using physical root-stem models, stem segments with or without artificial roots, and rooted saplings.

METHODS

Radial O2 loss (ROL) from roots was monitored polarographically as the gas space system of the models, and stems were pressurized artificially. ROL and internal pressurization were also measured when stems were irradiated and the xylem stream was either CO2 enriched or not. Stem photosynthesis and respiration were measured polarographically. Stem and root anatomy were examined by light and fluorescence microscopy.

KEY RESULTS

Pressurizing the models and stems to

CONCLUSIONS

Pressurized gas flow to submerged roots does not occur to any significant degree in alder, but stem photosynthesis, using internally sourced CO2 from respiration and the transpiration stream, may play an important role in root aeration in young trees and measurably affect the overall carbon balance of this and other species.

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Key Words

• alnus glutinosa
• root aeration
• diffusion
• pressure flow
• stem photosynthesis
• radial oxygen loss
• thermal transpiration
• thermo-osmosis

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MESH Headings

• Alnus/metabolism
• Carbon Dioxide/metabolism
• Light
• Oxygen/metabolism
• Photosynthesis/physiology
• Plant Roots/metabolism
• Plant Stems/metabolism
• Polarography
• Water

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Affiliation(s)

William Armstrong Biological Sciences, University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull HU6 7RX, UK.
Jean Armstrong

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A comprehensive analysis of the NADP-malic enzyme gene family of Arabidopsis

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genome contains four genes encoding putative NADP-malic enzymes (MEs; AtNADP-ME1-ME4). NADP-ME4 is localized to plastids, whereas the other three isoforms do not possess any predicted organellar targeting sequence and are therefore expected to be cytosolic. The plant NADP-MEs can be classified into four groups: groups I and II comprising cytosolic and plastidic isoforms from dicots, respectively; group III containing isoforms from monocots; and group IV composed of both monocots and dicots, including AtNADP-ME1. AtNADP-MEs contained all conserved motifs common to plant NADP-MEs and the recombinant isozymes showed different kinetic and structural properties. NADP-ME2 exhibits the highest specific activity, while NADP-ME3 and NADP-ME4 present the highest catalytic efficiency for NADP and malate, respectively. NADP-ME4 exists in equilibrium of active dimers and tetramers, while the cytosolic counterparts are present as hexamers or octamers. Characterization of T-DNA insertion mutant and promoter activity studies indicates that NADP-ME2 is responsible for the major part of NADP-ME activity in mature tissues of Arabidopsis. Whereas NADP-ME2 and -ME4 are constitutively expressed, the expression of NADP-ME1 and NADP-ME3 is restricted by both developmental and cell-specific signals. These isoforms may play specific roles at particular developmental stages of the plant rather than being involved in primary metabolism.

Key plant structural and allocation traits depend on relative age in the perennial herb Pimpinella saxifraga

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Perennial plant formations always include a mixture of various-aged individuals of community-creating species, but the physiological and competitive potentials of plants of differing age and the importance on whole community functioning are still not entirely known. The current study tested the hypothesis that ontogenetically old plants have limited biomass investments in leaves and enhanced foliage support costs.

METHODS

Leaf structure, size and biomass allocation were studied in the perennial herb Pimpinella saxifraga during plant ontogeny from seedling to senile phases to determine age-dependent controls on key plant structural traits. The average duration of the full ontogenetic cycle is approx. 5-10 years in this species. Plants were sampled from shaded and open habitats.

KEY RESULTS

Leaflet dry mass per unit area (M(A)) increased, and the fraction of plant biomass in leaflets (F(L)) decreased with increasing age, leading to a 5- to 11-fold decrease in leaf area ratio (LAR = F(L)/M(A)) between seedlings and senescent plants. In contrast, the fraction of below-ground biomass increased with increasing age. Leaflet size and number per leaf increased with increasing age. This was not associated with enhanced support cost in older plants as age-dependent changes in leaf shape and increased foliage packing along the rachis compensated for an overall increase in leaf size. Age-dependent trends were the same in habitats with various irradiance, but the LAR of plants of varying age was approx. 1.5-fold larger in the shade due to lower M(A) and larger F(L).

CONCLUSIONS

As plant light interception per unit total plant mass scales with LAR, these data demonstrate major age-dependent differences in plant light-harvesting efficiency that are further modified by site light availability. These ontogenetic changes reduce the differences among co-existing species in perennial communities, and therefore need consideration in our understanding of how herbaceous communities function.

The future of C4 research--maize, Flaveria or Cleome?

C4 photosynthesis has evolved multiple times among the angiosperms: the spatial rearrangement of the photosynthetic apparatus, combined with alterations to the leaf structure, allows CO2 to be concentrated around Rubisco. Higher CO2 concentrations at Rubisco decrease the rate of oxygenation and therefore reduce the amount of energy lost through photorespiration. C4 plants are particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions because they can sustain higher rates of net photosynthesis; they also represent some of our most productive crops. To date, most progress in identifying genes crucial for C4 photosynthesis has been made using maize and Flaveria. We propose that Cleome, the most closely related genus containing C4 species to the C3 model Arabidopsis, be used together with Arabidopsis resources to accelerate our progress in elucidating the genetic basis of C4 photosynthesis.

Carbon isotope composition and leaf anatomy as a tool to characterize the photosynthetic mechanism of Artemisia annua L

Leaves of Artemisia annua L. are a plentiful source of artemisinin, a drug with proven effectiveness against malaria. The aim of this study was to classify the photosynthetic mechanism of A. annua through studies of the carbon isotope composition (delta 13C) and the leaf anatomy. A. annua presented a delta 13C value of - 31.76 ± 0.07, which characterizes the plants as a typical species of the C3 photosynthethic mechanism, considering that the average delta 13C values for C3 and C4 species are -28 and -14, respectively. The leaf anatomy studies were consistent with the delta 13C results, where, in spite of the existence of parenchymatic cells forming a sheath surrounding the vascular tissue, the cells do not contain chloroplasts or starch. This characteristic is clearly different from that of the Kranz anatomy found in C4 species.

The influence of root assimilated inorganic carbon on nitrogen acquisition/assimilation and carbon partitioning

Understanding of the influences of root-zone CO2 concentration on nitrogen (N) metabolism is limited. The influences of root-zone CO2 concentration on growth, N uptake, N metabolism and the partitioning of root assimilated 14C were determined in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). Root, but not leaf, nitrate reductase activity was increased in plants supplied with increased root-zone CO2. Root phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity was lower with NO3(-)- than with NH4(+)-nutrition, and in the latter, was also suppressed by increased root-zone CO2. Increased growth rate in NO3(-)-fed plants with elevated root-zone CO2 concentrations was associated with transfer of root-derived organic acids to the shoot and conversion to carbohydrates. With NH4(+)-fed plants, growth and total N were not altered by elevated root-zone CO2 concentrations, although 14C partitioning to amino acid synthesis was increased. Effects of root-zone CO2 concentration on N uptake and metabolism over longer periods (> 1 d) were probably limited by feedback inhibition. Root-derived organic acids contributed to the carbon budget of the leaves through decarboxylation of the organic acids and photosynthetic refixation of released CO2.

Post-photosynthetic fractionation of stable carbon isotopes between plant organs--a widespread phenomenon

Discrimination against 13C during photosynthesis is a well-characterised phenomenon. It leaves behind distinct signatures in organic matter of plants and in the atmosphere. The former is depleted in 13C, the latter is enriched during periods of preponderant photosynthetic activity of terrestrial ecosystems. The intra-annual cycle and latitudinal gradient in atmospheric 13C resulting from photosynthetic and respiratory activities of terrestrial plants have been exploited for the reconstruction of sources and sinks through deconvolution by inverse modelling. Here, we compile evidence for widespread post-photosynthetic fractionation that further modifies the isotopic signatures of individual plant organs and consequently leads to consistent differences in delta13C between plant organs. Leaves were on average 0.96 per thousand and 1.91 per thousand more depleted than roots and woody stems, respectively. This phenomenon is relevant if the isotopic signature of CO2-exchange fluxes at the ecosystem level is used for the reconstruction of individual sources and sinks. It may also modify the parameterization of inverse modelling approaches if it leads to different isotopic signatures of organic matter with different residence times within the ecosystems and to a respiratory contribution to the average difference between the isotopic composition of plant organic matter and the atmosphere. We discuss the main hypotheses that can explain the observed inter-organ differences in delta13C.

Cassava biology and physiology

Cassava or manioc (Manihot esculenta Crantz), a perennial shrub of the New World, currently is the sixth world food crop for more than 500 million people in tropical and sub-tropical Africa, Asia and Latin America. It is cultivated mainly by resource-limited small farmers for its starchy roots, which are used as human food either fresh when low in cyanogens or in many processed forms and products, mostly starch, flour, and for animal feed. Because of its inherent tolerance to stressful environments, where other food crops would fail, it is often considered a food-security source against famine, requiring minimal care. Under optimal environmental conditions, it compares favorably in production of energy with most other major staple food crops due to its high yield potential. Recent research at the Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT) in Colombia has demonstrated the ability of cassava to assimilate carbon at very high rates under high levels of humidity, temperature and solar radiation,which correlates with productivity across all environments whether dry or humid. When grown on very poor soils under prolonged drought for more than 6 months, the crop reduce both its leaf canopy and transpiration water loss, but its attached leaves remain photosynthetically active, though at greatly reduced rates. The main physiological mechanism underlying such a remarkable tolerance to drought was rapid stomatal closure under both atmospheric and edaphic water stress, protecting the leaf against dehydration while the plant depletes available soil water slowly during long dry periods. This drought tolerance mechanism leads to high crop water use efficiency values. Although the cassava fine root system is sparse, compared to other crops, it can penetrate below 2 m soil,thus enabling the crop to exploit deep water if available. Leaves of cassava and wild Manihot possess elevated activities of the C4 enzyme PEP carboxylase but lack the leaf Kranz anatomy typical of C4 species, pointing to the need for further research on cultivated and wild Manihot to further improve its photosynthetic potential and yield,particularly under stressful environments. Moreover, a wide range in values of Km (CO2) for the C3 photosynthetic enzyme Rubisco was found among cassava cultivars indicating the possibility of selection for higher affinity to CO2, and consequently higher leaf photosynthesis. Several plant traits that may be of value in crop breeding and improvement have been identified, such as an extensive fine root system, long leaf life, strong root sink and high leaf photosynthesis. Selection of parental materials for tolerance to drought and infertile soils under representative field conditions have resulted in developing improved cultivars that have high yields in favorable environments while producing reasonable and stable yields under stress.

Transitions in photosynthetic parameters of midvein and interveinal regions of leaves and their importance during leaf growth and development

The areal development of photosynthetic efficiency and growth patterns in expanding leaves of two different dicotyledonous species - Coccoloba uvifera and Sanchezia nobilis - was investigated by imaging both processes repeatedly over 32 days. Measurements were performed using combined imaging systems for chlorophyll fluorescence and growth, with the same spatial resolution. Significant differences in potential quantum yield of photosynthesis (F (v)/F (m)), a parameter indicating the functional status of photosystem II, were found between midvein and interveinal tissue. Although base-tip gradients and spatial patchiness were observed in the distribution of relative growth rate, neither midvein nor interveinal tissue showed such patterns in F (v)/F (m). In young leaves, F (v)/F (m) of the midvein was higher than F (v)/F (m) of interveinal tissue. This difference declined gradually with time, and upon cessation of growth, F (v)/F (m) of interveinal regions exceeded those of midvein tissue. Images of chlorophyll fluorescence quenching showed that DeltaF/F (m)' in the different tissues correlated with F (v)/F (m), indicating that, in these uniformly illuminated leaves, transitions in photosynthetic electron transport activity follow those of predawn quantum efficiency. We explore the implications of these observations during leaf development, discuss effects of sucrose delivery from veins to interveinal areas on relative rates of photosynthetic development in these tissues, and propose that the initially higher photosynthetic activity in the midvein compared to the intervein tissues may supply carbohydrates and energy for leaf growth processes.

The evolution of C4 photosynthesis

C₄ photosynthesis is a series of anatomical and biochemical modifications that concentrate CO₂ around the carboxylating enzyme Rubisco, thereby increasing photosynthetic efficiency in conditions promoting high rates of photorespiration. The C₄ pathway independently evolved over 45 times in 19 families of angiosperms, and thus represents one of the most convergent of evolutionary phenomena. Most origins of C₄ photosynthesis occurred in the dicots, with at least 30 lineages. C₄ photosynthesis first arose in grasses, probably during the Oligocene epoch (24-35 million yr ago). The earliest C₄ dicots are likely members of the Chenopodiaceae dating back 15-21 million yr; however, most C₄ dicot lineages are estimated to have appeared relatively recently, perhaps less than 5 million yr ago. C₄ photosynthesis in the dicots originated in arid regions of low latitude, implicating combined effects of heat, drought and/or salinity as important conditions promoting C₄ evolution. Low atmospheric CO₂ is a significant contributing factor, because it is required for high rates of photorespiration. Consistently, the appearance of C₄ plants in the evolutionary record coincides with periods of increasing global aridification and declining atmospheric CO₂ . Gene duplication followed by neo- and nonfunctionalization are the leading mechanisms for creating C₄ genomes, with selection for carbon conservation traits under conditions promoting high photorespiration being the ultimate factor behind the origin of C₄ photosynthesis. Contents Summary 341 I. Introduction 342 II. What is C₄ photosynthesis? 343 III. Why did C₄ photosynthesis evolve? 347 IV. Evolutionary lineages of C₄ photosynthesis 348 V. Where did C₄ photosynthesis evolve? 350 VI. How did C₄ photosynthesis evolve? 352 VII. Molecular evolution of C₄ photosynthesis 361 VIII. When did C₄ photosynthesis evolve 362 IX. The rise of C₄ photosynthesis in relation to climate and CO₂ 363 X. Final thoughts: the future evolution of C₄ photosynthesis 365 Acknowledgements 365 References 365.

The phenotype of the Arabidopsis cue1 mutant is not simply caused by a general restriction of the shikimate pathway

The Arabidopsis thalianachlorophyll a/b binding protein underexpressed (cue1) mutant, which has been isolated in a screen for chlorophyll a/b binding protein (CAB) underexpressors, exhibits a reticulate leaf phenotype combined with delayed chloroplast development and aberrant shape of the palisade parenchyma cells. The affected gene in cue1 is a phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)/phosphate translocator (PPT) of the plastid inner envelope membrane. The proposed function of the PPT in C3-plants is the import of PEP into the stroma as one of the substrates for the shikimate pathway, from which aromatic amino acids and a variety of secondary plant products derive. The mutant phenotype could be: (i) complemented by constitutive overexpression of a heterologous PPT from cauliflower; and (ii) rescued by overexpression of a C4-type pyruvate,orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK). The latter approach indicates that PEP deficiency within plastids triggers developmental constraints in cue1. The impact of the mutation on aspects of primary and secondary metabolism was assessed in cue1 as well as in the individual transformant lines. The majority of the data obtained in this and an accompanying paper suggest that the mutant phenotype is not simply caused by a general restriction of the shikimate pathway because of a defect in a PPT.

Towards deciphering phloem: a transcriptome analysis of the phloem of Apium graveolens

Events occurring in the phloem tissue are key to understanding a wide range of developmental and physiological processes in vascular plants. While a considerable amount of molecular information on phloem proteins has emerged in the past decade, a unified picture of the molecular mechanisms involved in phloem differentiation and function is still lacking. New models to increase our understanding of this complex tissue can be created by the development of global approaches such as genomic analysis. In order to obtain a comprehensive overview of the molecular biology of the phloem tissue, we developed a genomic approach using Apium graveolens as a model. cDNA libraries were constructed from mRNAs extracted from isolated phloem of petioles. Expression data obtained from the analysis of 989 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and the transcript profile deduced from a cDNA macroarray of 1326 clones were combined to identify genes showing distinct expression patterns in the vascular tissues. Comparisons of expression profiles obtained from the phloem, xylem and storage parenchyma tissues uncovered tissue-specific differential expression patterns for given sets of genes. The major classes of mRNAs predominantly found in the phloem encode proteins related to phloem structure, metal homeostasis or distribution, stress responses and degradation or turnover of proteins. Of great interest for future studies are the genes we found to be specifically expressed in the phloem but for which the function is still unknown, and also those genes described in previous reports to be up or downregulated by specific interactions. From a broader prospective, our results also clearly demonstrate that cDNA macroarray technology can be used to identify the key genes involved in various physiological and developmental processes in the phloem.

Crystal structures of substrate complexes of malic enzyme and insights into the catalytic mechanism

Malic enzymes catalyze the oxidative decarboxylation of L-malate to pyruvate and CO(2) with the reduction of the NAD(P)(+) cofactor in the presence of divalent cations. We report the crystal structures at up to 2.1 A resolution of human mitochondrial NAD(P)(+)-dependent malic enzyme in different pentary complexes with the natural substrate malate or pyruvate, the dinucleotide cofactor NAD(+) or NADH, the divalent cation Mn(2+), and the allosteric activator fumarate. Malate is bound deep in the active site, providing two ligands for the cation, and its C4 carboxylate group is out of plane with the C1-C2-C3 atoms, facilitating decarboxylation. The divalent cation is positioned optimally to catalyze the entire reaction. Lys183 is the general base for the oxidation step, extracting the proton from the C2 hydroxyl of malate. Tyr112-Lys183 functions as the general acid-base pair to catalyze the tautomerization of the enolpyruvate product from decarboxylation to pyruvate.

Regulation and roles of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in plants

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK) is probably ubiquitous in flowering plants, but is confined to certain cells or tissues. It is regulated by phosphorylation, which renders it less active by altering both its substrate affinities and its sensitivity to regulation by adenylates. In the leaves of some C4 plants, such as Panicum maximum, dephosphorylation increases its activity in the light. In other tissues such regulation probably avoids futile cycling between phosphoenolpyruvate and oxaloacetate. Although PCK generally acts as a decarboxylase in plants, its affinity for CO2 measured at physiological concentrations of metal ions is high and would allow it to be freely reversible in vivo. While its function in gluconeogenesis in seeds postgermination and in leaves of C4 and crassulacean acid metabolism plants is clearly established, the possible functions of PCK in other plant cells are discussed, drawing parallels with those in animals, including its integrated function in cataplerosis, nitrogen metabolism, pH regulation, and gluconeogenesis.

Respiration and photosynthesis characteristics of current-year stems of Fagus sylvatica: from the seasonal pattern to an annual balance

•  Temperature and light responses of CO₂ efflux of Fagus sylvatica (beech) current-year stems were measured for 1 yr to estimate their annual carbon balance. •  Gas exchanges were determined using infrared gas analysis. Seasonal patterns of a fluorescence parameter ((F_v /F_m )_max ), nitrogen and chlorophyll contents were also assessed in stems and leaves, using standard techniques. •  Basal respiration rates at 20°C (R²⁰ ) were very high during the growing season, reaching a maximum of 17 170 µmol m^-3  s^-1 . Light-saturated assimilation followed the same seasonal pattern as R²⁰ . During the winter, chlorophyll content was undiminished compared with the summer, N content was slightly increased, and despite low (F_v /F_m )_max values, instantaneous maximum assimilation could account for 80-110% of the respiration. •  For an average-size stem (4 mm diameter), the estimated annual respiration was 0.5 g carbon with 55% of this amount attributed to maintenance respiration. The potential assimilation contributed 0.2 g carbon and approximately compensated for the growth respiration. Information on older branches and trunks is now needed for estimations at the tree and stand levels.

The gluconeogenic enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in Arabidopsis is essential for seedling establishment

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) catalyzes the conversion of oxaloacetate to phosphoenolpyruvate in the gluconeogenic production of sugars from storage oil in germinating oilseeds. Here, we present the results of analysis on PEPCK antisense Arabidopsis plants with a range of enzyme activities from 20% to 80% of wild-type levels. There is a direct correlation between enzyme activity and seedling establishment during early post-germinative growth, thus demonstrating the absolute requirement of PEPCK and gluconeogenesis in this process. Soluble sugar levels in the 35S-PCK1 antisense seedlings are reduced and seedling establishment can be rescued with an exogenous supply of sucrose. We observed an increase in the respiration of acetyl coenzyme A units released from fatty acid beta-oxidation and a corresponding decrease in the production of sugars with decreasing enzyme activity in 2-d-old antisense seedlings. The 35S-PCK1 antisense lines have a more extreme phenotype when compared with Arabidopsis mutants disrupted in the glyoxylate cycle. We conclude that the 35S-PCK1 antisense seedlings are compromised in the ability to use both storage lipid and storage protein through gluconeogenesis to produce soluble sugars.

Control of Ascorbate Peroxidase 2 expression by hydrogen peroxide and leaf water status during excess light stress reveals a functional organisation of Arabidopsis leaves

In Arabidopsis leaves, high light stress induces rapid expression of a gene encoding a cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase (APX2), whose expression is restricted to bundle sheath cells of the vascular tissue. Imaging of chlorophyll fluorescence and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) indicated that APX2 expression followed a localised increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) resulting from photosynthetic electron transport in the bundle sheath cells. Furthermore, leaf transpiration rate also increased prior to APX2 expression, suggesting that water status may also be involved in the signalling pathway. Abscisic acid stimulated APX2 expression. Exposure of ABA-insensitive mutants (abi1-1, abi2-1) to excess light resulted in reduced levels of APX2 expression and confirmed a role for ABA in the signalling pathway. ABA appears to augment the role of H2O2 in initiating APX2 expression. This regulation of APX2 may reflect a functional organisation of the leaf to resolve two conflicting physiological requirements of protecting the sites of primary photosynthesis from ROS and, at the same time, stimulating ROS accumulation to signal responses to changes in the light environment.

Variation in root-zone CO2 concentration modifies isotopic fractionation of carbon and nitrogen in tomato seedlings

•  The contribution to the carbon budget and growth by root acquisition of inorganic carbon and the influence that this has on NO ₃ ^- and NH ₄ ⁺ uptake and assimilation has not been adequately quantified. •  The influence of varying root-zone CO ₂ concentrations on tissue δ ¹³ C and δ ¹⁵ N was used to estimate the contribution to the carbon budget of root-assimilated carbon in tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum ) seedlings. •  Biomass accumulation was greater at 0.5% and 1% (v/v) root-zone CO ₂ in NO ₃ ^- and NH ₄ ⁺ -fed plants than with 0% root-zone CO ₂ . The plant δ ¹³ C values were not altered by 1% CO ₂ with δ ¹³ C = -29.00‰, but they were increased when supplied with 1% CO ₂ with δ ¹³ C = -10.91‰. The δ ¹⁵ N values of NO ₃ ^- -fed plants were unchanged by variation in root-zone CO ₂ concentration. In NH ₄ ⁺ -fed plants the δ ¹⁵ N values were c.  1.5‰ higher at 1% CO ₂ . •  Changes in δ ¹³ C values with increased CO ₂ concentration (δ ¹³ C = -10.91‰) were ascribed to root incorporation of CO ₂ . Less than 5% of carbon was derived from root dark fixation and thus cannot explain increases in growth on a mass basis. Reduced discrimination with NH ₄ ⁺ nutrition at 1% CO ₂ could be related to increased exudation of NH ₄ ⁺ and organic nitrogen and also reduced uptake.

Involvement of a plastid terminal oxidase in plastoquinone oxidation as evidenced by expression of the Arabidopsis thaliana enzyme in tobacco

Chlororespiration has been defined as a respiratory electron transport chain in interaction with photosynthetic electron transport involving both non-photochemical reduction and oxidation of plastoquinones. Different enzymatic activities, including a plastid-encoded NADH dehydrogenase complex, have been reported to be involved in the non-photochemical reduction of plastoquinones. However, the enzyme responsible for plasquinol oxidation has not yet been clearly identified. In order to determine whether the newly discovered plastid oxidase (PTOX) involved in carotenoid biosynthesis acts as a plastoquinol oxidase in higher plant chloroplasts, the Arabidopsis thaliana PTOX gene (At-PTOX) was expressed in tobacco under the control of a strong constitutive promoter. We showed that At-PTOX is functional in tobacco chloroplasts and strongly accelerates the non-photochemical reoxidation of plastoquinols; this effect was inhibited by propyl gallate, a known inhibitor of PTOX. During the dark to light induction phase of photosynthesis at low irradiances, At-PTOX drives significant electron flow to O(2), thus avoiding over-reduction of plastoquinones, when photo- synthetic CO(2) assimilation was not fully induced. We proposed that PTOX, by modulating the redox state of intersystem electron carriers, may participate in the regulation of cyclic electron flow around photosystem I.

Molecular mechanism for the regulation of human mitochondrial NAD(P)+-dependent malic enzyme by ATP and fumarate

The regulation of human mitochondrial NAD(P)+-dependent malic enzyme (m-NAD-ME) by ATP and fumarate may be crucial for the metabolism of glutamine for energy production in rapidly proliferating tissues and tumors. Here we report the crystal structure at 2.2 A resolution of m-NAD-ME in complex with ATP, Mn2+, tartronate, and fumarate. Our structural, kinetic, and mutagenesis studies reveal unexpectedly that ATP is an active-site inhibitor of the enzyme, despite the presence of an exo binding site. The structure also reveals the allosteric binding site for fumarate in the dimer interface. Mutations in this binding site abolished the activating effects of fumarate. Comparison to the structure in the absence of fumarate indicates a possible molecular mechanism for the allosteric function of this compound.

C(4) photosynthesis in terrestrial plants does not require Kranz anatomy

C(4) photosynthesis in terrestrial plants was thought to require Kranz anatomy because the cell wall between mesophyll and bundle sheath cells restricts leakage of CO(2). Recent work with the central Asian chenopods Borszczowia aralocaspica and Bienertia cycloptera show that C(4) photosynthesis functions efficiently in individual cells containing both the C(4) and C(3) cycles. These discoveries provide new inspiration for efforts to convert C(3) crops into C(4) plants because the anatomical changes required for C(4) photosynthesis might be less stringent than previously thought.