Possible mechanisms for the inhibition of photosynthesis by ozone

Strategies of plants to overcome abiotic and biotic stresses

In their environment, plants are exposed to a multitude of abiotic and biotic stresses that differ in intensity, duration and severity. As sessile organisms, they cannot escape these stresses, but instead have developed strategies to overcome them or to compensate for the consequences of stress exposure. Defence can take place at different levels and the mechanisms involved are thought to differ in efficiency across these levels. To minimise metabolic constraints and to reduce the costs of stress defence, plants prioritise first-line defence strategies in the apoplastic space, involving ascorbate, defensins and small peptides, as well as secondary metabolites, before cellular processes are affected. In addition, a large number of different symplastic mechanisms also provide efficient stress defence, including chemical antioxidants, antioxidative enzymes, secondary metabolites, defensins and other peptides as well as proteins. At both the symplastic and the apoplastic level of stress defence and compensation, a number of specialised transporters are thought to be involved in exchange across membranes that still have not been identified, and information on the regeneration of different defence compounds remains ambiguous. In addition, strategies to overcome and compensate for stress exposure operate not only at the cellular, but also at the organ and whole-plant levels, including stomatal regulation, and hypersensitive and systemic responses to prevent or reduce the spread of stress impacts within the plant. Defence can also take place at the ecosystem level by root exudation of signalling molecules and the emission of volatile organic compounds, either directly or indirectly into the rhizosphere and/or the aboveground atmosphere. The mechanisms by which plants control the production of these compounds and that mediate perception of stressful conditions are still not fully understood. Here we summarise plant defence strategies from the cellular to ecosystem level, discuss their advantages and disadvantages for plant growth and development, elucidate the current state of research on the transport and regeneration capacity of defence metabolites, and outline insufficiently explored questions for further investigation.

Ozone exposure-response relationships parametrized for sixteen tree species with varying sensitivity in the United States

It is well known that exposure to ambient O3 can decrease growth in many tree species in the United States (US). Our study reports experimental data from outdoor open-top chamber (OTC) studies that quantify total biomass response changes for seedlings of 16 species native to western and eastern North America, which were exposed to several levels of elevated O3 for one or more years. The primary objective of this study is to establish a reference set of parameters for these seedling exposure-response relationships using a 3-month (92 day) 12-hr W126 O3 metric used by US Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies to assess risk to trees from O3 exposure. We classified the 16 species according to their sensitivity, based on the biomass loss response functions to protect from a 5% biomass loss. The three-month 12-h W126 estimated to result in a 5% biomass loss was 2.5-9.2 ppm-h for sensitive species, 20.8-25.2 ppm-h for intermediate species, and > 28.7 ppm-h for insensitive species. The most sensitive tree species include black cherry, ponderosa pine, quaking aspen, red alder, American sycamore, tulip poplar and winged sumac. These species are ecologically important and widespread across US. The effects of O3 on whole-plant biomass depended on exposure duration and dynamics and on the number of successive years of exposure. These species-specific exposure-response relationships will allow US agencies and other groups to better estimate biomass losses based on ozone exposures in North America and can be used in risk assessment and scenario analyses.

Interactive effect of leaf age and ozone on mesophyll conductance in Siebold's beech

Mesophyll conductance (G_m ) is one of the most important factors determining photosynthesis. Tropospheric ozone (O₃ ) is known to accelerate leaf senescence and causes a decline of photosynthetic activity in leaves. However, the effects of age-related variation of O₃ on G_m have not been well investigated, and we, therefore, analysed leaf gas exchange data in a free-air O₃ exposure experiment on Siebold's beech with two levels (ambient and elevated O₃ : 28 and 62 nmol mol^-1 as daylight average, respectively). In addition, we examined whether O₃ -induced changes on leaf morphology (leaf mass per area, leaf density and leaf thickness) may affect CO₂ diffusion inside leaves. We found that O₃ damaged the photosynthetic biochemistry progressively during the growing season. The G_m was associated with a reduced photosynthesis in O₃ -fumigated Siebold's beech in August. The O₃ -induced reduction of G_m was negatively correlated with leaf density, which was increased by elevated O₃ , suggesting that the reduction of G_m was accompanied by changes in the physical structure of mesophyll cells. On the other hand, in October, the O₃ -induced decrease of G_m was diminished because G_m decreased due to leaf senescence regardless of O₃ treatment. The reduction of photosynthesis in senescent leaves after O₃ exposure was mainly due to a decrease of maximum carboxylation rate (V_cmax ) and/or maximum electron transport rate (J_max ) rather than diffusive limitations to CO₂ transport such as G_m . A leaf age×O₃ interaction of photosynthetic response will be a key for modelling photosynthesis in O₃ -polluted environments.

The Water Content Drives the Susceptibility of the Lichen Evernia prunastri and the Moss Brachythecium sp. to High Ozone Concentrations

The aim of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of lichens (Evernia prunastri) and mosses (Brachythecium sp.) to short-term (1 h), acute (1 ppm) O3 fumigation under different hydration states (dry, <10% water content, metabolism almost inactive; wet, >200% water content, metabolism fully active). We hypothesized that stronger damage would occur following exposure under wet conditions. In addition, we checked for the effect of recovery (1 week) after the exposure. Ozone fumigation negatively affected the content of chlorophyll only in wet samples, but in the moss, such a difference was no longer evident after one week of recovery. Photosynthetic efficiency was always impaired by O3 exposure, irrespective of the dry or wet state, and also after one week of recovery, but the effect was much stronger in wet samples. The antioxidant power was increased in wet moss and in dry lichen, while a decrease was found for wet lichens after 1 week. Our results confirm that the tolerance to O3 of lichens and mosses may be determined by their low water content, which is the case during the peaks of O3 occurring during the Mediterranean summer. The role of antioxidant power as a mechanism of resistance to high O3 concentrations needs to be further investigated.

Ozone effects on plants in natural ecosystems

Tropospheric ozone (O₃ ) is an important stressor in natural ecosystems, with well-documented impacts on soils, biota and ecological processes. The effects of O₃ on individual plants and processes scale up through the ecosystem through effects on carbon, nutrient and hydrologic dynamics. Ozone effects on individual species and their associated microflora and fauna cascade through the ecosystem to the landscape level. Systematic injury surveys demonstrate that foliar injury occurs on sensitive species throughout the globe. However, deleterious impacts on plant carbon, water and nutrient balance can also occur without visible injury. Because sensitivity to O₃ may follow coarse physiognomic plant classes (in general, herbaceous crops are more sensitive than deciduous woody plants, grasses and conifers), the task still remains to use stomatal O₃ uptake to assess class and species' sensitivity. Investigations of the radial growth of mature trees, in combination with data from many controlled studies with seedlings, suggest that ambient O₃ reduces growth of mature trees in some locations. Models based on tree physiology and forest stand dynamics suggest that modest effects of O₃ on growth may accumulate over time, other stresses (prolonged drought, excess nitrogen deposition) may exacerbate the direct effects of O₃ on tree growth, and competitive interactions among species may be altered. Ozone exposure over decades may be altering the species composition of forests currently, and as fossil fuel combustion products generate more O₃ than deteriorates in the atmosphere, into the future as well.

Legacy of historic ozone exposure on plant community and food web structure

Information on whole community responses is needed to predict direction and magnitude of changes in plant and animal abundance under global changes. This study quantifies the effect of past ozone exposure on a weed community structure and arthropod colonization. We used the soil seed bank resulting from a long-term ozone exposure to reestablish the plant community under a new low-pollution environment. Two separate experiments using the same original soil seed bank were conducted. Plant and arthropod richness and species abundance was assessed during two years. We predicted that exposure to episodic high concentrations of ozone during a series of growing cycles would result in plant assemblies with lower diversity (lower species richness and higher dominance), due to an increase in dominance of the stress tolerant species and the elimination of the ozone-sensitive species. As a consequence, arthropod-plant interactions would also be changed. Species richness of the recruited plant communities from different exposure histories was similar (≈ 15). However, the relative abundance of the dominant species varied according to history of exposure, with two annual species dominating ozone enriched plots (90 ppb: Spergula arvensis, and 120 ppb: Calandrinia ciliata). Being consistent both years, the proportion of carnivore species was significantly higher in plots with history of higher ozone concentration (≈3.4 and ≈7.7 fold higher in 90 ppb and 120 ppb plots, respectively). Our study provides evidence that, past history of pollution might be as relevant as management practices in structuring agroecosystems, since we show that an increase in tropospheric ozone may influence biotic communities even years after the exposure.

Enhanced Stomatal Conductance by a Spontaneous Arabidopsis Tetraploid, Me-0, Results from Increased Stomatal Size and Greater Stomatal Aperture

The rate of gas exchange in plants is regulated mainly by stomatal size and density. Generally, higher densities of smaller stomata are advantageous for gas exchange; however, it is unclear what the effect of an extraordinary change in stomatal size might have on a plant's gas-exchange capacity. We investigated the stomatal responses to CO2 concentration changes among 374 Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ecotypes and discovered that Mechtshausen (Me-0), a natural tetraploid ecotype, has significantly larger stomata and can achieve a high stomatal conductance. We surmised that the cause of the increased stomatal conductance is tetraploidization; however, the stomatal conductance of another tetraploid accession, tetraploid Columbia (Col), was not as high as that in Me-0. One difference between these two accessions was the size of their stomatal apertures. Analyses of abscisic acid sensitivity, ion balance, and gene expression profiles suggested that physiological or genetic factors restrict the stomatal opening in tetraploid Col but not in Me-0. Our results show that Me-0 overcomes the handicap of stomatal opening that is typical for tetraploids and achieves higher stomatal conductance compared with the closely related tetraploid Col on account of larger stomatal apertures. This study provides evidence for whether larger stomatal size in tetraploids of higher plants can improve stomatal conductance.

Physiological effects of ozone exposure on De Colgar and Rechaiga II tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivars

The sensitivity of two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivars, Rechaiga II and De Colgar, to 50, 80, and 100 ppb ozone (O3) exposures was assessed in fumigation chamber, during 4 h per day over a period of 7 days. The Rechaiga II variety was shown to be sensitive to the dose of 50 ppb, showing chlorotic spots on the adaxial leaf surface and alterations of some physiological parameters. During 1-week fumigation, ozone caused a decrease in stomatal conductance, chlorophylls a and b, total chlorophylls, and carotenoids, although soluble sugars and membrane integrity were significantly increased in fumigated plants compared to controls. This trend was similar for the three pollutant doses used in fumigation. The De Colgar tomato remained asymptomatic.

Temporal dynamics of the cellular events in tobacco leaves exposed in São Paulo, Brazil, indicate oxidative stress by ozone

Nicotiana tabacum 'Bel-W3' is widely used as an ozone bioindicator species, showing typical necrosis preceded by microscopic markers of oxidative stress. This study aimed to follow the development of symptoms in tobacco exposed in São Paulo highlighting the temporal dynamics of the cellular events. Leaves with and without necrosis were processed according to standard techniques for anatomical analyses. Leaves from the site with higher SUM00 presented thinner palisade parenchyma, fewer layers of spongy parenchyma, higher stomatal density, clusters of vessel elements in the midrib, erosion of cuticular waxes and stomatal damage. The sequence of microscopic events from the third day of exposure were condensation of the cytoplasm in parenchyma tissue, sinuosity of anticlinal walls, pectinaceous cell wall protrusions, chromatin condensation and changes in chlorophyll autofluorescence. On the 14th day of exposure, these events finally led to cell death in the palisade parenchyma and necrosis on the leaf. The markers observed indicated oxidative stress caused by ozone.

Distinct responses to ozone of abaxial and adaxial stomata in three Euramerican poplar genotypes

Ozone induces stomatal sluggishness, which impacts photosynthesis and transpiration. Stomatal responses to variation of environmental parameters are slowed and reduced by ozone and may be linked to difference of ozone sensitivity. Here we determine the ozone effects on stomatal conductance of each leaf surface. Potential causes of this sluggish movement, such as ultrastructural or ionic fluxes modification, were studied independently on both leaf surfaces of three Euramerican poplar genotypes differing in ozone sensitivity and in stomatal behaviour. The element contents in guard cells were linked to the gene expression of ion channels and transporters involved in stomatal movements, directly in microdissected stomata. In response to ozone, we found a decrease in the stomatal conductance of the leaf adaxial surface correlated with high calcium content in guard cells compared with a slight decrease on the abaxial surface. No ultrastructural modifications of stomata were shown except an increase in the number of mitochondria. The expression of vacuolar H(+) /Ca(2+) -antiports (CAX1 and CAX3 homologs), β-carbonic anhydrases (βCA1 and βCA4) and proton H(+) -ATPase (AHA11) genes was strongly decreased under ozone treatment. The sensitive genotype characterized by constitutive slow stomatal response was also characterized by constitutive low expression of genes encoding vacuolar H(+) /Ca(2+) -antiports.

Assessment of six Indian cultivars of mung bean against ozone by using foliar injury index and changes in carbon assimilation, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic pigments

Six Indian cultivars of Vigna radiata L. (HUM-1, HUM-2, HUM-6, HUM-23, HUM-24 and HUM-26) were exposed with ambient and elevated (ambient + 10 ppb ozone (O3) for 6 h day(-1)) level of O3 in open top chambers. Ozone sensitivity was assessed by recording the magnitude of foliar visible injury and changes in various physiological parameters. All the six cultivars showed visible foliar symptoms due to O3, ranging 7.4 to 55.7 % injured leaf area. O3 significantly depressed total chlorophyll, photosynthetic rate (Ps), quantum yield (F(v)/F(m)) and total biomass although the extent of variation was cultivar specific. Cultivar HUM-1 showed maximum reduction in Ps and stomatal conductance. The fluorescence parameters also indicated maximum damage to PSII reaction centres of HUM-1. Injury percentage, chlorophyll loss, Ps, F(v)/F(m) and total biomass reduced least in HUM-23 depicting highest O3 resistance (R%).

Radish plant behaviour under short-term elevated ozone fumigation

Effects of short-term ozone (O3) fumigation on radish (Raphanus sativus L.) plants were examined in growth chambers under controlled environment conditions. Plants were exposed to 0 μg/m3 (reference), 80 μg/m3, 160 μg/m3 and 240 μg/m3 O3 concentrations for 7 h per day for five days. Day/night temperature was 21°C/14°C and photoperiod 16 h. Chlorophyll content was evaluated spectrophotometrically. Chromatographic analysis of saccharides was also undertaken. The results showed that elevated O3 inhibited the growth of radish rhizocarps, net assimilation rate and biomass accumulation. O3 induced leaf desiccation, necrosis and premature senescence, but a typical reaction of plants to O3 stress was the rapid regeneration of new leaves. O3 inhibited accumulation of carotenoids more than chlorophylls. The higher photosynthetic pigment content in newly generated radish leaves may be regarded as an adaptation of the photosynthetic system to O3. Leaf saccharide metabolism and incorporation depended on O3 concentration. Rapid regeneration of new leaves and increased content of photosynthetic pigments is the typical reaction of radish plants to O3 stress.

Simultaneous ozone fumigation and fluoranthene sprayed as mists negatively affected cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill)

Ozone (O(3)) fumigated at 120 microg L(-1) for 12 hd(-1) was combined with 10 microM fluoranthene, and other treatments, including Mannitol solution to investigate the interaction of the two pollutants on tomato plant (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill). Using ten treatments including Mannitol solution and a control, exposure experiment was conducted for 34 d inside six growth chambers used for monitoring the resulted ecophysiological changes. Visible foliar injury, chlorophyll a fluorescence, leaf pigment contents, CO(2) uptake and water vapor exchange were monitored in tomato. Ozone or fluoranthene independently affected some ecophysiological traits of the tomato. In addition, simultaneous treatments with the duo had increased (additive) negative effects on the photosynthesis rate (A(max)), stomatal conductance (g(s)), chlorophyll pigment contents (Chl a, Chl b and Chl((a+b))) and visible foliar symptoms. Contrarily, alleviation of the negative effects of O(3) on the leaf chlorophyll a fluorescence variables by fluoranthene occurred. Mannitol solution, which functioned as a reactive oxygen species scavenger was able to mitigate some negative effects of the two pollutants on the tomato plants.

Gas exchange, antioxidants and foliar injuries in saplings of a tropical woody species exposed to ozone

Ozone (O(3)) reaches phytotoxical concentrations in the tropics, but the sensitivity of tropical plant species to O(3) remains unknown. Visible foliar injuries, carbon assimilation (A(sat)), stomatal conductance, superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD) activity and ascorbic acid concentration (AA) were evaluated in different-aged leaves of Psidium guajava 'Paluma' saplings. We hypothesized that the old leaves are less capable of combating the stress induced by O(3) and hence exhibit more severe leaf injuries. Three O(3) exposure experiments were performed with 'Paluma' saplings in sites with high O(3) concentration and also under filtered air conditions. The exposure experiments corresponding to the seasons spring/2006, summer and autumn/2007. The decrease of A(sat) was greater in old leaves of saplings exposed to O(3), except in the second experiment, when the AA concentrations were more pronounced than in the other experiments. In second experiment, O(3) uptake was similar to that of the first experiment, but the injuries were less severe, probably due to the high AA concentrations. It was not possible to identify a pattern of superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD) activity due to the high variability in the results from O(3) exposed and reference saplings. O(3) uptake/A(sat) was higher in leaves exhibiting greater injury, suggesting that decrease in A(sat) may have been the main feature associated with the visible foliar symptons.

Anthocyanins and tannins in ozone-fumigated guava trees

Psidium guajava "Paluma", a tropical tree species, is known to be an efficient ozone indicator in tropical countries. When exposed to ozone, this species displays a characteristic leaf injury identified by inter-veinal red stippling on adaxial leaf surfaces. Following 30 days of three ozone treatments consisting of carbon filtered air (CF - AOT40=17 ppb h), ambient non-filtered air (NF - AOT40=542 ppb h) and ambient non-filtered air+40 ppb ozone (NF+O(3) - AOT40=7802 ppb h), the amounts of residual anthocyanins and tannins present in 10 P. guajava ("Paluma") saplings were quantified. Higher amounts of anthocyanins were found in the NF+O(3) treatment (1.6%) when compared to the CF (0.97%) and NF (1.30%) (p<0.05), and of total tannins in the NF+O(3) treatment (0.16%) compared to the CF (0.14%). Condensed tannins showed the same tendency as enhanced amounts. Regression analyses using amounts of tannins and anthocyanins, AOT40 and the leaf injury index (LII), showed a correlation between the leaf injury index and quantities of anthocyanins and total tannins. These results are in accordance with the association between the incidence of red-stippled leaves and ozone polluted environments.

The challenge of making ozone risk assessment for forest trees more mechanistic

Upcoming decades will experience increasing atmospheric CO2 and likely enhanced O3 exposure which represents a risk for the carbon sink strength of forests, so that the need for cause-effect related O3 risk assessment increases. Although assessment will gain in reliability on an O3 uptake basis, risk is co-determined by the effective dose, i.e. the plant's sensitivity per O3 uptake. Recent progress in research on the molecular and metabolic control of the effective O3 dose is reported along with advances in empirically assessing O3 uptake at the whole-tree and stand level. Knowledge on both O3 uptake and effective dose (measures of stress avoidance and tolerance, respectively) needs to be understood mechanistically and linked as a pre-requisite before practical use of process-based O3 risk assessment can be implemented. To this end, perspectives are derived for validating and promoting new O3 flux-based modelling tools.

Ozone-induced changes in photosynthesis and photorespiration of hybrid poplar in relation to the developmental stage of the leaves

Young poplar trees (Populus tremula Michx. x Populus alba L. clone INRA 717-1B4) were subjected to 120 ppb of ozone for 35 days in phytotronic chambers. Treated trees displayed precocious leaf senescence and visible symptoms of injury (dark brown/black upper surface stippling) exclusively observed on fully expanded leaves. In these leaves, ozone reduced parameters related to photochemistry (Chl content and maximum rate of photosynthetic electron transport) and photosynthetic CO(2) fixation [net CO(2) assimilation, Rubisco (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase) activity and maximum velocity of Rubisco for carboxylation]. In fully expanded leaves, the rate of photorespiration as estimated from Chl fluorescence was markedly impaired by the ozone treatment together with the activity of photorespiratory enzymes (Rubisco and glycolate oxidase). Immunoblot analysis revealed a decrease in the content of serine hydroxymethyltransferase in treated mature leaves, while the content of the H subunit of the glycine decarboxylase complex was not modified. Leaves in the early period of expansion were exempt from visible symptoms of injury and remained unaffected as regards all measured parameters. Leaves reaching full expansion under ozone exposure showed potential responses of protection (stimulation of mitochondrial respiration and transitory stomatal closure). Our data underline the major role of leaf phenology in ozone sensitivity of photosynthetic processes and reveal a marked ozone-induced inhibition of photorespiration.

Interactive effects of elevated CO2 and ozone on leaf thermotolerance in field-grown Glycine max

Humans are increasing atmospheric CO2, ground-level ozone (O3), and mean and acute high temperatures. Laboratory studies show that elevated CO2 can increase thermotolerance of photosynthesis in C3 plants. O3-related oxidative stress may offset benefits of elevated CO2 during heat-waves. We determined effects of elevated CO2 and O3 on leaf thermotolerance of field-grown Glycine max (soybean, C3). Photosynthetic electron transport (et) was measured in attached leaves heated in situ and detached leaves heated under ambient CO2 and O3. Heating decreased et, which O3 exacerbated. Elevated CO2 prevented O3-related decreases during heating, but only increased et under ambient O3 in the field. Heating decreased chlorophyll and carotenoids, especially under elevated CO2. Neither CO2 nor O3 affected heat-shock proteins. Heating increased catalase (except in high O3) and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), but not Mn-SOD; CO2 and O3 decreased catalase but neither SOD. Soluble carbohydrates were unaffected by heating, but increased in elevated CO2. Thus, protection of photosynthesis during heat stress by elevated CO2 occurs in field-grown soybean under ambient O3, as in the lab, and high CO2 limits heat damage under elevated O3, but this protection is likely from decreased photorespiration and stomatal conductance rather than production of heat-stress adaptations.

Modification of the biochemical pathways of plants induced by ozone: what are the varied routes to change?

When plants are observed under a low dose of ozone, some physiological and metabolic shifts occur. Barring extreme injury such as tissue damage or stomata closure, most of these disruptive changes are likely to have been initiated at the level of gene expression. The belief is oxidative products formed in ozone exposed leaves, e.g. hydrogen peroxide, are responsible for much of the biochemical adjustments. The first line of defense is a range of antioxidants, such as ascorbate and glutathione, but if this defense is overwhelmed, subsequent actions occur, similar to systemic acquired resistance or general wounding. Yet there are seemingly unrelated metabolic responses which are also triggered, such as early senescence. We discuss here the current understanding of gene control and signal transduction/control in order to increase our comprehension of how ozone alters the basic metabolism of plants and how plants counteract or cope with ozone.

Analysis of molecular markers in three different tomato cultivars exposed to ozone stress

Three differentially expressed cDNAs have been isolated from ozone treated tomato seedlings. Their level of expression after ozone exposure has been analysed in three tomato cultivars with different sensitivity to ozone (Nikita, Alisa Craig and Valenciano). These comparative analyses have been extended to a number of genes involved in antioxidative, wounding or pathogenesis responses, showing several differences among cultivars that could be related with their different sensitivity to ozone. Gene response to ozone was affected not only by the period and dose of ozone exposure (short time or chronic), but also by growth conditions (controlled growth chamber or field). Comparison of gene expression patterns puts on evidence the needing of validation in field of experiments performed with plants grown under controlled conditions. Our results suggest that changes in genes expression, observed after ozone treatment in field, are affected by additional factors related to environmental clues.

Effects of ozone impact on the gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence of juvenile birch stems (Betula pendula Roth.)

Effects of ozone impact on gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence of juvenile birch (Betula pendula) stems and leaves were investigated. Significant differences in the response of leaves and stems to ozone were found. In leaves, O3 exposure led to a significant decline in photosynthetic rates, whereas stems revealed an increased dark respiration and a concomitant increase in corticular photosynthesis. In contrast to birch leaves, corticular photosynthesis appeared to support the carbon balance of stems or even of the whole-tree under O3 stress. The differences in the ozone-response between leaves and stems were found to be related to ozone uptake rates, and thus to inherent differences in leaf and stem O3 conductance.

To what extent do current and projected increases in surface ozone affect photosynthesis and stomatal conductance of trees? A meta-analytic review of the last 3 decades of experiments

The surface concentration of ozone ([O(3)]) has risen from less than 10 ppb prior to the industrial revolution to a day-time mean concentration of approximately 40 ppb over much of the northern temperate zone. If current global emission trends continue, surface [O(3)] is projected to rise a further 50% over this century, with larger increases in many locations including Northern Hemisphere forests. This review uses statistical meta-analysis to determine mean effects, and their confidence limits, of both the current and projected elevations of [O(3)] on light-saturated photosynthetic CO(2) uptake (A(sat)) and stomatal conductance (g(s)) in trees. In total, 348 measurements of A(sat) from 61 studies and 266 measures of g(s) from 55 studies were reviewed. Results suggested that the elevation of [O(3)] that has occurred since the industrial revolution is depressing A(sat) and g(s) by 11% (CI 9-13%) and 13% (CI 11-15%), respectively, where CI is the 95% confidence interval. In contrast to angiosperms, gymnosperms were not significantly affected. Both drought and elevated [CO(2)] significantly decreased the effect of ambient [O(3)]. Younger trees (<4 years) were affected less than older trees. Elevation of [O(3)] above current levels caused progressively larger losses of A(sat) and g(s), including gymnosperms. Results are consistent with the expectation that damage to photosynthesis depends on the cumulative uptake of ozone (O(3)) into the leaf. Thus, factors that lower g(s) lessen damage. Where both g(s) and [O(3)] were recorded, an overall decline in A(sat) of 0.21% per mmol m(-2) of estimated cumulative O(3) uptake was calculated. These findings suggest that rising [O(3)], an often overlooked aspect of global atmospheric change, is progressively depressing the ability of temperate and boreal forests to assimilate carbon and transfer water vapour to the atmosphere, with significant potential effects on terrestrial carbon sinks and regional hydrologies.

Physiological responses of saplings of Caesalpinia echinata Lam., a Brazilian tree species, under ozone fumigation

The effects induced by long-term (30 day) and short-term (6h) exposures to ozone on the physiological parameters in young plants of Caesalpinia echinata Lam., a Brazilian tree species, were determined. Potted plants were maintained in open-top chambers in Valencia, Spain, under charcoal filtered air (mean O3 level: 29 microg m3), nonfiltered air (NF; 43 microg m3), and nonfiltered air plus O3 (NF + O3; 68 microg m3), simulating prevailing concentrations observed in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, during spring months (50 microg m3 in 2002). In the plants kept in NF + O3 for 30 days, although no foliar visible injuries were observed, the net carbon assimilation rate was reduced to 50%, stomatal conductance 42%, and transpiration 40%, when compared to the results for the NF plants. No changes in antioxidants, in leaf, stem, and root biomass, and in the root/shoot ratio were observed. Significant reductions were observed in gas exchange and in PSII photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) after 6 h of exposure to an O3 peak. The species was shown to be sensitive to ambient O3 concentrations measured in São Paulo.

Effects of elevated pCO2 and/or pO3 on C-, N-, and S-metabolites in the leaves of juvenile beech and spruce differ between trees grown in monoculture and mixed culture

Three and four-year-old saplings of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) grown in monoculture and mixed culture were exposed in phytotrons to (1) ambient air, (2) elevated pO(3), (3) elevated pCO(2), or (4) elevated pCO(2) plus elevated pO(3). After 5 months, the contents of soluble sugars, starch, soluble amino compounds, non-structural proteins (NSP), as well as reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione were determined in the leaves of both species in order to assess the effects of the gaseous regimes on primary metabolism. Elevated pO(3) did not affect sugar and starch levels in beech leaves in monoculture, but significantly increased sugar levels in beech leaves grown in mixed culture. In spruce needles, sugar levels tended to be enhanced in both culture types. Individual and combined exposure of elevated pCO(2) led to an increase in non-structural carbohydrate (soluble sugars plus starch) levels in beech and spruce leaves of both culture types. Differences in the responses of non-structural carbohydrate levels to elevated pCO(2) between beech and spruce were apparent from different contributions of sugars and starch to the increase in carbohydrate levels. Exposure to elevated pCO(2) and/or elevated pO(3) did not affect the levels of soluble amino compounds and NSP in beech leaves, but reduced amino compound levels in spruce needles of both culture types. Elevated pO(3) increased GSH levels in the leaves of both tree species in both culture types, while GSSG levels in monoculture were reduced in beech leaves, but significantly enhanced in spruce needles. Elevated pCO(2) reduced GSSG levels in beech and spruce leaves in monoculture, and GSH levels in spruce needles of both culture types. The combination of elevated pCO(2) and pO(3) increased GSSG levels in beech leaves of both culture types and in spruce needles in monoculture, but reduced GSH levels in spruce needles of both culture types. Apparently, under each gaseous regime, the culture type significantly altered primary metabolism of the leaves of beech and spruce.

Ethylene insensitivity modulates ozone-induced cell death in birch

We have used genotypic variation in birch (Betula pendula Roth) to investigate the roles of ozone (O(3))-induced ethylene (ET), jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid in the regulation of tissue tolerance to O(3). Of these hormones, ET evolution correlated best with O(3)-induced cell death. Disruption of ET perception by transformation of birch with the dominant negative mutant allele etr1-1 of the Arabidopsis ET receptor gene ETR1 or blocking of ET perception with 1-methylcyclopropene reduced but did not completely prevent the O(3)-induced cell death, when inhibition of ET biosynthesis with aminooxyacetic acid completely abolished O(3) lesion formation. This suggests the presence of an ET-signaling-independent but ET biosynthesis-dependent component in the ET-mediated stimulation of cell death in O(3)-exposed birch. Functional ET signaling was required for the O(3) induction of the gene encoding beta-cyanoalanine synthase, which catalyzes detoxification of the cyanide formed during ET biosynthesis. The results suggest that functional ET signaling is required to protect birch from the O(3)-induced cell death and that a decrease in ET sensitivity together with a simultaneous, high ET biosynthesis can potentially cause cell death through a deficient detoxification of cyanide.

The impact of elevated ozone and carbon dioxide on young Acer saccharum seedlings

The effects of high O3 (200 nl l-1 during the light period) and high CO2 (650 &mgr;l l-1 CO2, 24 h a day) alone and in combination were studied on 45-day-old sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) seedlings for 61 days in growth chambers. After 2 months of treatment under the environmental conditions of the experiment, sugar maple seedlings did not show a marked response to the elevated CO2 treatment: the effect of high CO2 on biomass was only detected in the leaves which developed during the treatment, and assimilation rate was not increased. Under high O3 at ambient CO2, assimilation rate at days 41 and 55 and Rubisco content at day 61 decreased in the first pair of leaves; total biomass was reduced by 43%. In these seedlings large increases (more than 2-fold) in glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH, EC 1.1.1.49) activity and in anaplerotic CO2 fixation by phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC, EC 4.1.1.31) were observed, suggesting that an enhanced reducing power and carbon skeleton production was needed for detoxification and repair of oxidative damage. Under high O3 at elevated CO2, a stimulation of net CO2 assimilation was observed after 41 days but was no longer observed at day 55. However, at day 61, the total biomass was only reduced by 21% and stimulation of G6PDH and PEPC was less pronounced than under high O3 at ambient CO2. This suggests that high CO2 concentration protects, to some extent, against O3 by providing additional carbon and energy through increased net assimilation.

Ozone differentially affects physiological and biochemical responses of two clover species; Trifolium repens and Trifolium pratense

The effect of acute ozone exposure (150 ppb for 3 h) on two clover species, white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) was investigated through the analysis of 10 different physiological and biochemical parameters. Twenty-four hours after fumigation, visible symptoms of injury on leaves were observed only in red clover, but from the biochemical point of view, both species revealed significant ozone-induced modifications. A decrease in the photosynthetic efficiency as well as an increase in the de-epoxidation index and a decrease in the redox state of ascorbate were detected only in T. pratense leaves; no significant change in pigment content was found in either of the two species. On the other hand, both white and red clover showed, although to different extents, significant decreases in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed not only that ozone affects both species, but also that they differentially respond to the pollutant, confirming the higher sensitivity of Trifolium pratense to ozone exposure.

The response of some common Egyptian plants to ozone and their use as biomonitors

Relative sensitivity of five common Egyptian plant species namely, Senecio vulgaris, Malva parviflora, Sonchus oleraceus, Medicago sativa and Melilotus indicus to elevated levels of ozone has been studied. The plants were exposed to charcoal filtered air (CFA) and different levels of O3 (50 and 100 ppb) for 5 h per day. The studied parameters were recorded for five consecutive days after fumigation. The foliar injury varied significantly among species in a dose-dependent manner. Severe injury symptoms were recorded on the leaves of M. sativa. With the exception of M. parviflora, all species exhibited significant increases in the percentage reduction of the above-ground dry weight as a result of reductions in both leaf and stem dry weights. M. sativa showed a marked reduction in its relative growth rate at elevated levels of O3. The extent of chlorophyll a destruction was higher in both M. sativa and S. oleraceus than in the other species tested. No differences in the sensitivity of chlorophylls a+b and carotenoids to ozone levels were recorded in this work. Percentage reduction of ascorbic acid was higher in M. sativa and S. oleraceus, compared with the other species studied. With respect to relative percentages of proline, there was a significant difference in the responses of plants to ozone. According to the ozone resistance (R%), measured as relative growth rate, the test species were arranged in the descending order: M. parviflora>M. Indicus>S. Vulgaris>S. Oleraceus>M. sativa. In M. sativa, both determinant and correlation coefficients are well reflected in the relationship between its physiological response, its performance and ozone levels, supporting its recommendation as a candidate for biomonitoring in Egypt.

Assimilation of CO2 , enzyme activation and photosynthetic electron transport in bean leaves, as affected by high light and ozone

•   Bean seedlings (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Pinto) were grown in the greenhouse at a light intensity of 400 µmol m^-2  s^-1 . When the primary leaf was fully expanded, plants were divided into four groups and subjected to one of the following treatments: light intensity of 400 µmol m^-2  s^-1 and filtered air (control); light intensity of 400 µmol m^-2  s^-1 and ozone (O₃ ) (150 nl l^-1 for 5 h) (ozonated); light intensity of 1000 µmol m^-2  s^-1 for 5 h and filtered air (HL); and light intensity of 1000 µmol m^-2  s^-1 and O₃ (150 nl l^-1 ) for 5 h (HL + O₃ ). •   At the end of the treatments (HL and/or O₃ ) a strong decrease in CO₂ assimilation rate as well a decrease in stomatal conductance were observed, while no changes in intercellular CO₂ concentration were recorded. In addition the F_v  : F_m ratio (maximal quantum yield for PSII photochemistry) decreased in the stressed leaves (HL and/or O₃ ), indicating photoinhibition, and they showed a corresponding increase in minimal fluorescence (F₀ ), indicating a higher number of deactivating photosystem II (PSII) centres. •   The maximum catalytic activity of the Benson-Calvin cycle enzymes, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate phosphatase (FBPase) and Rubisco, decreased following HL + O₃ stress but activation was enhanced. A linear relation was found between activation state of NADP-malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and the flux of electrons through PSII and in HL + O₃ -treated plants NADP-MDH activity decreased at high irradiance levels, indicating a limitation in linear electron flux.

Egyptian plant species as new ozone indicators

The aim of this study was to test and select one or more highly sensitive, specific and environmentally successful Egyptian bioindicator plants for ozone (O3). For that purpose more than 30 Egyptian species and cultivars were subjected to extensive screening studies under controlled environmental and pollutant exposure conditions to mimic the Egyptian environmental conditions and O3 levels in urban and rural sites. Four plant species were found to be more sensitive to O3 than the universally used O3-bioindicator, tobacco Bel W3, under the Egyptian environmental conditions used. These plant species, jute (Corchorus olitorius c.v. local), clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L. c.v. Masry), garden rocket (Eruca sativa c.v. local) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. c.v. local), ranked in order of decreasing sensitivity, exhibited typical O3 injury symptoms faster and at lower 03 concentrations than Bel W3. Three variables were tested in search of a reliable tool for the diagnosis and prediction of O3 response prior to the appearance of visible foliar symptoms: pigment degradation, stomatal conductance (g(s)) and net photosynthetic CO2 assimilation (Pnet). Pigment degradation was found to be unreliable in predicting species sensitivity to O3. Evidence supporting stomatal conductance involvement in 03 tolerance was found only in tolerant species. A good correlation was found between g(s), restriction of O3 and CO2 influx into the mesophyll tissues, and Pnet. Changes in Pnet seemed to depend largely on fluctuations in g(s).

Isoprene produced by leaves protects the photosynthetic apparatus against ozone damage, quenches ozone products, and reduces lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes

Many plants invest carbon to form isoprene. The role of isoprene in plants is unclear, but many experiments showed that isoprene may have a role in protecting plants from thermal damage. A more general antioxidant action has been recently hypothesized on the basis of the protection offered by exogenous isoprene in nonemitting plants exposed to acute ozone doses. We inhibited the synthesis of endogenous isoprene by feeding fosmidomycin and observed that Phragmites australis leaves became more sensitive to ozone than those leaves forming isoprene. Photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and fluorescence parameters were significantly affected by ozone only in leaves on which isoprene was not formed. The protective effect of isoprene was more evident when the leaves were exposed for a long time (8 h) to relatively low (100 nL L(-1)) ozone levels than when the exposure was short and acute (3 h at 300 nL L(-1)). Isoprene quenched the amount of H(2)O(2) formed in leaves and reduced lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes caused by ozone. These results indicate that isoprene may exert its protective action at the membrane level, although a similar effect could be obtained if isoprene reacted with ozone before forming active oxygen species. Irrespective of the mechanism, our results suggest that endogenous isoprene has an important antioxidant role in plants.

Ozone treatment affects pigment precursor metabolism in pine seedlings

Five-week-old seedlings of Pinus halepensis Mill. and Pinus brutia Ten. were exposed to air polluted with ozone (O3) (250 nl l-1, 12 h day-1 for 4 days) or to ambient air containing ca 10-20 nl l-1 O3, in the light (180 &mgr;mol m-2 s-1 photosynthetic photon flux density [PPFD], 12 h day-1) and then fed for 24 h in the light (100 &mgr;mol m-2 s-1 PPFD) with various radioactive precursors of chlorophyll (Chl) and carotene biosynthesis: 5-[4-14C]-aminolevulinic acid (14C-ALA), L-[14C(U)]-glutamic acid (14C-Glu), or D,L-[2-14C]-mevalonic acid (14C-MVA). Pigments were then extracted from cotyledons and fully expanded needles. Chl a and carotene were separated by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography and their specific activities were determined. 14C-ALA and 14C-Glu labels were incorporated into Chl a and carotene. Exposure to O3 did not inhibit incorporation of 14C-ALA into Chl a molecules, but hydrolysis of Chl a showed that O3 inhibited phytol labelling of Chl a. Labelling of carotene was also inhibited by O3, but not when 14C-MVA was used as the label. These data suggest that O3 treatment inhibits (directly or indirectly) the biosynthesis of isoprenoids from products of ALA and Glu metabolism in the plastid, but not from MVA in the cytosol. This inhibition was more prominent when 14C-ALA was used as the label than when 14C-Glu was the labelling precursor. A significant increase in pheophorbide a, a tetrapyrrole component of Chl a labelling, and a concomitant decrease in phytol labelling was observed following incubation of O3-treated pine seedlings with 14C-ALA and 14C-Glu. Stronger inhibition of carotene biosynthesis and activation of Chl a tetrapyrrole labelling by 14C-ALA (in comparison with 14C-Glu) indicated that exposure to O3 inhibits the conversion of ALA to Glu as the first step in ALA catabolism. These results also suggested a more intensive Glu metabolism (in comparison with ALA) for carotene biosynthesis in the cytosol, as well as cooperation between two pathways of isopentenyl diphosphate biosynthesis.

Impact of elevated ozone on chlorophyll a fluorescence in field-grown oat (Avena sativa)

Oat (Avena sativa) plants were grown in the field near the urban area of Valencia, Eastern Spain. The data on air quality showed that ozone was the main phytotoxic pollutant present in ambient air reaching a 7-h mean of 46 nl l(-1) and a maximum hourly peak of 322 nl l(-1). The effect of ambient ozone on PSII activity was examined by measurements of chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence. In leaves with visible symptoms, the function of PSII was changed at high actinic irradiances. Nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) was higher and quantum efficiency of PSII (Phi(PSII)), photochemical quenching (q(p)), quantum efficiency of excitation capture and PSII electron flow (F(v)'/F(m)') were lower. An enhanced susceptibility to photoinhibition was observed for symptom-exhibiting leaves compared to leaves that remain free of visible symptoms. Both the lowering of photosynthesis efficiency and the increased sensitivity to photoinhibition probably contribute to reduced crop yield in the field, to different extents, depending on growth conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first report that demonstrates that quantum efficiency of exciton trapping in PSII is associated with foliar injury in oat leaves in response to ambient concentration of ozone.

Simulating the growth response of aspen to elevated ozone: a mechanistic approach to scaling a leaf-level model of ozone effects on photosynthesis to a complex canopy architecture

Predicting ozone-induced reduction of carbon sequestration of forests under elevated tropospheric ozone concentrations requires robust mechanistic leaf-level models, scaled up to whole tree and stand level. As ozone effects depend on genotype, the ability to predict these effects on forest carbon cycling via competitive response between genotypes will also be required. This study tests a process-based model that predicts the relative effects of ozone on the photosynthetic rate and growth of an ozone-sensitive aspen clone, as a first step in simulating the competitive response of genotypes to atmospheric and climate change. The resulting composite model simulated the relative above ground growth response of ozone-sensitive aspen clone 259 exposed to square wave variation in ozone concentration. This included a greater effect on stem diameter than on stem height, earlier leaf abscission, and reduced stem and leaf dry matter production at the end of the growing season. Further development of the model to reduce predictive uncertainty is discussed.

Photosynthesis and biomass allocation of radish cv. "Cherry Belle" in response to root temperature and ozone

To determine if ozone (O3) and root zone temperature (RZT) affect plant biomass allocation and photosynthesis, radish (Raphanus sativus) plants were grown in controlled environment laboratory chambers in one of four treatments: episodic O3 (average delivery 0.063 mumol mol-1) with RZT at 13 degrees C, episodic O3 (same delivery) with RZT at 18 degrees C, charcoal-filtered air with RZT at 13 degrees C and charcoal-filtered air with RZT at 18 degrees C. O3 reduced total biomass and shoot biomass of radish at 13 degrees C RZT but had no effect at 18 degrees C RZT. Low (13 degrees C) RZT decreased total biomass in both O3 and charcoal-filtered air. RZT had no overall effect on biomass allocation, but O3 lowered root-to-shoot ratios for plants grown at 18 degrees C RZT. Photosynthesis was reduced for plants grown at 18 degrees C RZT and O3, but stomatal conductance was not affected by O3 nor RZT. These results indicate that O3 and low RZT decrease biomass, but that plant photosynthesis is decreased by O3 and warm RZT.

Redox state and peroxidase system in sunflower plants exposed to ozone

Sunflower plants subjected to a short-term fumigation with O(3) (150 ppb for 4 h repeated for 4 days) exhibited an increase in total ascorbate content, accompanied by a marked oxidation of ascorbate, leading to a decrease in its redox state, either at intracellular or extracellular level. O(3) exposure induced a rise in free extracellular peroxidase (POD) activity, assayed by syringaldazine as electron donor, as well as in the ionically and covalently cell wall bound PODs. On the contrary, the activity of both extracellular and intracellular guaiacol-POD did not show significant changes as a consequence of the pollutant exposure. The stimulation of syringaldazine-POD activities may be related to the effect of ozone on the growth of the cells, inducing an early senescence through the activation or acceleration of lignification processes. Beside, the reduced plasticity of the cell wall may oppose an unspecific mechanical resistance against the abiotic stress induced by the ozone exposure.

Suitability of process-based tree growth models for addressing tree response to climate change

Empirical models of tree growth have been used for many years to predict timber yields and other properties of trees. However, such models rely on measured relationships between tree growth and historic environmental conditions. As anthropogenic actions alter the environment, especially atmospheric composition, empirical models become less reliable and process-based models become more useful. Process-based models are challenged to simulate growth of structurally and physiologically complex organisms using explicit mathematical expressions to capture growth response to environmental conditions. In this review we summarize the physiological requirements of process-based models and examine the capabilities of six published models (CARBON, ECOPHYS, PGSM, TREE-BGC, TREGRO, W91) for simulating tree response to changes in environmental conditions (elevated temperature, increased CO(2) concentration, and enhanced concentrations of tropospheric ozone). These analyses indicate that current models are reliable integrators of environmental effects on individual processes (e.g. photosynthesis), but may be less reliable where physiological acclimation occurs or when extrapolated to growth of specific tree compartments.

Screening of bean cultivars for their response to ozone as evaluated by visible symptoms and leaf chlorophyll fluorescence

Fourteen Italian cultivars of Phaseolus vulgaris were exposed to a single pulse of ozone (O(3), 150 nl l(-1)) or to filtered air (<3 nl l(-1)) for 3.5 h. O(3) sensitivity was assessed by recording the extent of visible symptoms, effects on chlorophyll (Chl) content and changes in Chl a fluorescence parameters. This paper reports the results of an initial screening of 14 bean cultivars that was used to select a small number of cultivars for further work. Seven cultivars showed visible symptoms of injury in the range of 2-60 h after the end of the O(3) fumigation. O(3) significantly depressed total Chl content in most cultivars and a significant correlation was found between Chl content and visible symptoms. Most cultivars showed a significant change in the F(v)/F(m) ratio, even when there were no visual symptoms. There was no relationship between the extent of visual symptoms and quenching coefficients, indicating that these parameters were of no use in the determination of sensitivity to O(3) stress.

Identification of ascorbic acid-deficient Arabidopsis thaliana mutants

Vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) is a potent antioxidant and cellular reductant present at millimolar concentrations in plants. This small molecule has roles in the reduction of prosthetic metal ions, cell wall expansion, cell division, and in the detoxification of reactive oxygen generated by photosynthesis and adverse environmental conditions. However, unlike in animals, the biosynthesis of ascorbic acid (AsA) in plants is only beginning to be unraveled. The previously described AsA-deficient Arabidopsis mutant vtc1 (vitamin c-1) was recently shown to have a defect in GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase, providing strong evidence for the recently proposed role of GDP-mannose in AsA biosynthesis. To genetically define other AsA biosynthetic loci, we have used a novel AsA assay to isolate four vtc mutants that define three additional VTC loci. We have also isolated a second mutant allele of VTC1. The four loci represented by the vtc mutant collection have been genetically characterized and mapped onto the Arabidopsis genome. The vtc mutants have differing ozone sensitivities. In addition, two of the mutants, vtc2-1 and vtc2-2, have unusually low levels of AsA in the leaf tissue of mature plants.

Short communication: subcellular localization of ozone-induced hydrogen peroxide production in birch (Betula pendula) leaf cells

The atmospheric air pollutant ozone (O3) is one of the environmental stresses that induce formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants. Previously, the toxicity of O3 has been believed to be a result of ROS formation from O3-degradation. Recently, however, it has been shown that O3 induces active ROS production, which suggests that O3-responses may be mechanistically similar to pathogen-induced responses and that O3-damage could be a result of deleterious firing by the ROS of pathways normally associated with the HR. The subcellular localization of O3-induced H2O2 production was studied in birch (Betula pendula). O3 induced H2O2 accumulation first on the plasma membrane and cell wall. Experiments with inhibitors of possible sources for H2O2 in the cell wall suggested that both NADPH-dependent superoxide synthase and the cell wall peroxidases are involved in this H2O2 production. The H2O2 production continued in the cytoplasm, mitochondria and peroxisomes when the O3-exposure was over, but not in chloroplasts. The timing of mitochondrial H2O2 accumulation coincided with the first symptoms of visible damage and, at the same time, the mitochondria showed disintegration of the matrix. These responses may not be directly connected with defense against oxidative stress, but may rather indicate changes in oxidative balance within the cells that affect mitochondrial metabolism and the homeostasis of the whole cell, possibly leading into induction of programmed cell death.

Superoxide dismutase in Arabidopsis: an eclectic enzyme family with disparate regulation and protein localization

A number of environmental stresses can lead to enhanced production of superoxide within plant tissues, and plants are believed to rely on the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) to detoxify this reactive oxygen species. We have identified seven cDNAs and genes for SOD in Arabidopsis. These consist of three CuZnSODs (CSD1, CSD2, and CSD3), three FeSODs (FSD1, FSD2, and FSD3), and one MnSOD (MSD1). The chromosomal location of these seven SOD genes has been established. To study this enzyme family, antibodies were generated against five proteins: CSD1, CSD2, CSD3, FSD1, and MSD1. Using these antisera and nondenaturing-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis enzyme assays, we identified protein and activity for two CuZnSODs and for FeSOD and MnSOD in Arabidopsis rosette tissue. Additionally, subcellular fractionation studies revealed the presence of CSD2 and FeSOD protein within Arabidopsis chloroplasts. The seven SOD mRNAs and the four proteins identified were differentially regulated in response to various light regimes, ozone fumigation, and ultraviolet-B irradiation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a large-scale analysis of the regulation of multiple SOD proteins in a plant species.

Solar ultraviolet and the evolutionary history of cyanobacteria

On the basis of photobiological, evolutionary, paleontological, paleoenvironmental and physiological arguments, a time course for the role of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR, wavelengths below 400 nm) in the ecology and evolution of cyanobacteria is proposed in which three main periods can be distinguished. An initial stage, before the advent of oxygenic photosynthesis, when high environmental fluxes of UVC (wavelengths below 280 nm) and UVB (280-320 nm) may have depressed the ability of protocyanobacteria to develop large populations or restricted them to UVR refuges. A second stage lasting between 500 and 1500 Ma (million years), started with the appearance of true oxygen-evolving cyanobacteria and the concomitant formation of oxygenated (micro)environments under an oxygen free-atmosphere. In this second stage, the age of UV, the overall importance of UVR must have increased substantially, since the incident fluxes of UVC and UVB remained virtually unchanged, but additionally the UVA portion of the spectrum (320-400 nm) suddenly became biologically injurious and extremely reactive oxygen species must have formed wherever oxygen and UVR spatially coincided. The last period began with the gradual oxygenation of the atmosphere and the formation of the stratospheric ozone shield. The physiological stress due to UVC all but disappeared and the effects of UVB were reduced to a large extent. Evidence in support of this dynamics is drawn from the phylogenetic distribution of biochemical UV-defense mechanisms among cyanobacteria and other microorganisms. The specific physical characteristics of UVR and oxygen exposure in planktonic, sedimentary and terrestrial habitats are used to explore the plausible impact of UVR in each of the periods on the ecological distribution of cyanobacteria.

Enhanced ozone-tolerance in wheat grown at an elevated CO2 concentration: ozone exclusion and detoxification

Elevated [CO₂ ] has been shown to protect photosynthesis and growth of wheat against moderately elevated [O₃ ]. To investigate the role of ozone exclusion and detoxification in this protection, spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ev. Wembley) was grown from seed, in controlled-environment chambers, under reciprocal combinations of [CO₂ ] at 350 or 700 μmol mol^-1 and [O₃ ] peaking at < 5 or 60 nmol mol^-1 , respectively. Cumulative ozone dose to the mesophyll and antioxidant status were determined throughout flag leaf development. Catalase activity correlated with rates of photorespiration and declined in response to elevated [CO₂ ] and/or [O₃ ]. Superoxide dismutase activity was not significantly affected by either condition. Neither ascorbate nor glutathione content was enhanced by elevated [CO₂ ]. In wheat, at moderately elevated [O₃ ], our results show that stomatal exclusion plays a major role in the protective effect of elevated [CO₂ ] against O₃ damage.

Carbohydrate and carbon metabolite accumulation responses in leaves of ozone tolerant and ozone susceptible spinach plants after acute ozone exposure

The objective of this study was to determine whether exposure of plants to ozone (O3) increased the foliar levels of glucose, glucose sources, e.g., sucrose and starch, and glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), because in leaf cells, glucose is the precursor of the antioxidant, L-ascorbate, and glucose-6-phosphate is a source of NADPH needed to support antioxidant capacity. A further objective was to establish whether the response of increased levels of glucose, sucrose, starch and G6P in leaves could be correlated with a greater degree of plant tolerance to O3. Four commercially available Spinacia oleracea varieties were screened for tolerance or susceptibility to detrimental effects of O3 employing one 6.5 hour acute exposure to 25O nL O3 L(-1) air during the light. One day after the termination of ozonation (29 d post emergence), leaves of the plants were monitored both for damage and for gas exchange characteristics. Cultivar Winter Bloomsdale (cv Winter) leaves were least damaged on a quantitative grading scale. The leaves of cv Nordic, the most susceptible, were approximately 2.5 times more damaged. Photosynthesis (Pn) rates in the ozonated mature leaves of cv Winter were 48.9% less, and in cv Nordic, 66.2% less than in comparable leaves of their non-ozonated controls. Stomatal conductance of leaves of ozonated plants was found not to be a factor in the lower Pn rates in the ozonated plants. At some time points in the light, leaves of ozonated cv Winter plants had significantly higher levels of glucose, sucrose, starch, G6P, G1P, pyruvate and malate than did leaves of ozonated cv Nordic plants. It was concluded that leaves of cv Winter displayed a higher tolerance to ozone mediated stress than those of cv Nordic, in part because they had higher levels of glucose and G6P that could be mobilized during diminished photosynthesis to generate antioxidants (e.g., ascorbate) and reductants (e.g., NADPH). Elevated levels of both pyruvate and malate in the leaves of ozonated cv Winter suggested an increased availability of respiratory substrates to support higher respiratory capacity needed for repair, growth, and maintenance.

The impact of ozone on the (15)n incorporation and nitrogen assimilation of wheat and maize

Abstract Young wheat (C3) and maize (C4) plants were exposed to near-ambient concentrations of ozone in open-top chambers in order to investigate the possible effects of ozone on nitrogen metabolism. Nitrogen was supplied to the plants by adding (15)N-labelled tracer substances via the soil substrate. Enzyme activities (NADH nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase and NADH glutamate dehydrogenase) and the incorporation of (15)N were determined. The findings show that nitrogen metabolism was affected by O(3), however, there were distinct differences between the two species. In plants treated with O(3), NADH nitrate reductase activity in maize leaves was reduced, while NR activity in wheat leaves only slightly declined. Only minor changes were observed with respect to the activities of nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase and NADH glutamate dehydrogenase. Feeding experiments using (15)NO(3) (-) showed that the incorporation of nitrate nitrogen in wheat plants exposed to ozone remains virtually unchanged, whereas in maize plants reduced incorporation rates were observed for nitrate nitrogen. The incorporation of ammonium nitrogen was distinctly increased in wheat and maize by the impact of ozone. When investigating pigment contents, reduced levels of chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids were observed, whereas the pigment content of wheat leaves remained unchanged. These results indicate that young maize plants are more susceptible than wheat plants to short-term ozone exposure.

The interactive effects of elevated CO2 and O 3 concentration on photosynthesis in spring wheat

This study investigated the interacting effects of carbon dioxide and ozone on photosynthetic physiology in the flag leaves of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Wembley), at three stages of development. Plants were exposed throughout their development to reciprocal combinations of two carbon dioxide and two ozone treatments: [CO2] at 350 or 700 μmol mol(-1), [O3] at < 5 or 60 nmol mol(-1). Gas exchange analysis, coupled spectrophotometric assay for RuBisCO activity, and SDS-PAGE, were used to examine the relative importance of pollutant effects on i) stomatal conductance, ii) quantum yield, and iii) RuBisCO activity, activation, and concentration. Independently, both elevated [CO2] and elevated [O3] caused a loss of RuBisCO protein and Vcmax. In combination, elevated [CO2] partially protected against the deleterious effects of ozone. It did this partly by reducing stomatal conductance, and thereby reducing the effective ozone dose. Elevated [O3] caused stomatal closure largely via its effect on photoassimilation.