Red light activates a chloroplast-dependent ion uptake mechanism for stomatal opening under reduced CO2 concentrations in Vicia spp

Calvin cycle and guard cell metabolism impact stomatal function

Stomatal conductance (gs) determines CO2 uptake for photosynthesis (A) and water loss through transpiration, which is essential for evaporative cooling and maintenance of optimal leaf temperature as well as nutrient uptake. Stomata adjust their aperture to maintain an appropriate balance between CO2 uptake and water loss and are therefore critical to overall plant water status and productivity. Although there is considerable knowledge regarding guard cell (GC) osmoregulation (which drives differences in GC volume and therefore stomatal opening and closing), as well as the various signal transduction pathways that enable GCs to sense and respond to different environmental stimuli, little is known about the signals that coordinate mesophyll demands for CO2. Furthermore, chloroplasts are a key feature in GCs of many species, however, their role in stomatal function is unclear and a subject of debate. In this review we explore the current evidence regarding the role of these organelles in stomatal behaviour, including GC electron transport and Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle activity as well as their possible involvement correlating gs and A along with other potential mesophyll signals. We also examine the roles of other GC metabolic processes in stomatal function.

Induction of stomatal opening following a night-chilling event alleviates physiological damage in mango trees

Chilling events have become more frequent with climate change and are a significant abiotic factor causing physiological damage to plants and, consequently, reducing crop yield. Like other tropical and subtropical plants, mango (Mangifera indica L.) is particularly sensitive to chilling events, especially if they are followed by bright sunny days. It was previously shown that in mango leaves stomatal opening is restricted in the morning following a night-chilling event. This impairment results in restraint of carbon assimilation and subsequently, photoinhibition and reactive oxygen species production, which leads to chlorosis and in severe cases, cell death. Our detailed physiological analysis showed that foliar application of the guard cell H+-ATPase activator, fusicoccin, in the morning after a cold night, mitigates the physiological damage from 'cold night-bright day' abiotic stress. This application restored stomatal opening, thereby enabling gas exchange, releasing the photosynthetic machinery from harmful excess photon energy, and improving the plant's overall physiological state. The mechanisms by which plants react to this abiotic stress are examined in this work. The foliar application of compounds that cause stomatal opening as a potential method of minimizing physiological damage due to night chilling is discussed.

Growth, photosynthetic function, and stomatal characteristics of Persian walnut explants in vitro under different light spectra

Light plays a crucial role in photosynthesis, which is an essential process for plantlets produced during in vitro tissue culture practices and ex vitro acclimatization. LED lights are an appropriate technology for in vitro lighting but their effect on propagation and photosynthesis under in vitro condition is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different light spectra on growth, photosynthetic functionality, and stomatal characteristics of micropropagated shoots of Persian walnut (cv. Chandler). Tissue-cultured walnut nodal shoots were grown under different light qualities including white, blue, red, far-red, green, combination of red and blue (70:30), combination of red and far-red (70:30), and fluorescent light as the control. Results showed that the best growth and vegetative characteristics of in vitro explants of Persian walnut were achieved under combination of red and blue light. The biggest size of stomata was detected under white and blue lights. Red light stimulated stomatal closure, while stomatal opening was induced under blue and white lights. Although the red and far-red light spectra resulted in the formation of elongated explants with more lateral shoots and anthocyanin content, they significantly reduced the photosynthetic functionality. Highest soluble carbohydrate content and maximum quantum yield of photosystem II were detected in explants grown under blue and white light spectra. In conclusion, growing walnut explants under combination of red and blue lights leads to better growth, photosynthesis functionality, and the emergence of functional stomata in in vitro explants of Persian walnuts.

PhyB-dependent phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade MKK2-MPK2 positively regulates red light-induced stomatal opening

Red light induces stomatal opening by affecting photosynthesis, metabolism and triggering signal transductions in guard cells. Phytochrome B (phyB) plays a positive role in mediating red light-induced stomatal opening. However, phyB-mediated red light guard cell signalling is poorly understood. Here, we found that phyB-mediated sequential phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 (MAPKK2, MKK2) and MPK2 in guard cells is essential for red light-induced stomatal opening. Mutations in MKK2 and MPK2 led to reduced stomatal opening in response to white light, and these phenotypes could be observed under red light, not blue light. MKK2 interacted with MPK2 in vitro and in plants. MPK2 was directly phosphorylated by MKK2 in vitro. Red light triggered the phosphorylation of MKK2 in guard cells, and MKK2 phosphorylation was greatly reduced in phyB mutant. Simultaneously, red light-stimulated MPK2 phosphorylation in guard cells was inhibited in mkk2 mutant. Furthermore, mkk2 and mpk2 mutants exhibit significantly smaller stomatal apertures than that of wild type during the stomatal opening stage in the diurnal stomatal movements. Our results indicate that red light-promoted phyB-dependent phosphorylation of MKK2-MPK2 cascade in guard cells is essential for stomatal opening, which contributes to the fine-tuning of stomatal opening apertures under light.

Red light-upregulated MPK11 negatively regulates red light-induced stomatal opening in Arabidopsis

Stomatal movements allow the uptake of CO₂ for photosynthesis and water loss through transpiration, therefore play a crucial role in determining water use efficiency. Both red and blue lights induce stomatal opening, and the stomatal apertures under light are finetuned by both positive and negative regulators in guard cells. However, the molecular mechanisms for precisely adjusting stomatal apertures under light have not been completely understood. Here, we provided evidence supporting that Arabidopsis thaliana mitogen-activated protein kinase 11 (MPK11) plays a negative role in red light-induced stomatal opening. First, MPK11 was found to be highly expressed in guard cells, and MPK11-GFP signals were detected in both nuclear and cytoplasm of guard cells. The transcript levels of MPK11 in guard cells were upregulated by white light, and the stomata of mpk11 opened wider than that of wild type under white light. Consistent with the larger stomatal aperture, mpk11 mutant exhibited higher stomatal conductance and CO₂ assimilation rate under white light. The transcript levels of the genes responsible for osmolytes increases were higher in guard cells of mpk11 than that of wild type, which may contribute to the larger stomatal aperture of mpk11 under white light. Furthermore, MPK11 transcript levels in guard cells were upregulated by red light, and mpk11 mutant showed a larger stomatal aperture under red light. Taken together, these results demonstrate that red light-upregulated MPK11 plays a negative role in stomatal opening, which finetuning the stomatal opening apertures and preventing excessive water loss by transpiration under light.

What can mechanistic models tell us about guard cells, photosynthesis, and water use efficiency?

Stomatal pores facilitate gaseous exchange between the inner air spaces of the leaf and the atmosphere. The pores open to enable CO₂ entry for photosynthesis and close to reduce transpirational water loss. How stomata respond to the environment has long attracted interest in modeling as a tool to understand the consequences for the plant and for the ecosystem. Models that focus on stomatal conductance for gas exchange make intuitive sense, but such models need also to connect with the mechanics of the guard cells that regulate pore aperture if we are to understand the 'decisions made' by stomata, their impacts on the plant and on the global environment.

Combining Thermal and RGB Imaging Indices with Multivariate and Data-Driven Modeling to Estimate the Growth, Water Status, and Yield of Potato under Different Drip Irrigation Regimes

Advances in proximal hyperspectral sensing tools, chemometric techniques, and data-driven modeling have enhanced precision irrigation management by facilitating the monitoring of several plant traits. This study investigated the performance of remote sensing indices derived from thermal and red-green-blue (RGB) images combined with stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) and an integrated adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system with a genetic algorithm (ANFIS-GA) for monitoring the biomass fresh weight (BFW), biomass dry weight (BDW), biomass water content (BWC), and total tuber yield (TTY) of two potato varieties under 100%, 75%, and 50% of the estimated crop evapotranspiration (ETc). Results showed that the plant traits and indices varied significantly between the three irrigation regimes. Furthermore, all of the indices exhibited strong relationships with BFW, CWC, and TTY (R2 = 0.80–0.92) and moderate to weak relationships with BDW (R2 = 0.25–0.65) when considered for each variety across the irrigation regimes, for each season across the varieties and irrigation regimes, and across all data combined, but none of the indices successfully assessed any of the plant traits when considered for each irrigation regime across the two varieties. The SMLR and ANFIS-GA models gave the best predictions for the four plant traits in the calibration and testing stages, with the exception of the SMLR testing model for BDW. Thus, the use of thermal and RGB imaging indices with ANFIS-GA models could be a practical tool for managing the growth and production of potato crops under deficit irrigation regimes.

Stomatal Responses to Light, CO2, and Mesophyll Tissue in Vicia faba and Kalanchoë fedtschenkoi

The responses of stomatal aperture to light intensity and CO₂ concentration were studied in both Vicia faba (C₃) and Kalanchoë fedtschenkoi (Crassulacean acid metabolism; CAM), in material sampled from both light and dark periods. Direct comparison was made between intact leaf segments, epidermises grafted onto exposed mesophyll, and isolated epidermal peels, including transplantations between species and between diel periods. We reported the stomatal opening in response to darkness in isolated CAM peels from the light period, but not from the dark. Furthermore, we showed that C₃ mesophyll has stimulated CAM stomata in transplanted peels to behave as C₃ in response to light and CO₂. By using peels and mesophyll from plants sampled in the dark and the light period, we provided clear evidence that CAM stomata behaved differently from C₃. This might be linked to stored metabolites/ions and signalling pathway components within the guard cells, and/or a mesophyll-derived signal. Overall, our results provided evidence for both the involvement of guard cell metabolism and mesophyll signals in stomatal responses in both C₃ and CAM species.

Light-Mediated Signaling and Metabolic Changes Coordinate Stomatal Opening and Closure

Stomata are valves on the leaf surface controlling carbon dioxide (CO2) influx for photosynthesis and water loss by transpiration. Thus, plants have to evolve elaborate mechanisms controlling stomatal aperture to allow efficient photosynthesis while avoid excessive water loss. Light is not only the energy source for photosynthesis but also an important signal regulating stomatal movement during dark-to-light transition. Our knowledge concerning blue and red light signaling and light-induced metabolite changes that contribute to stomatal opening are accumulating. This review summarizes recent advances on the signaling components that lie between the perception of blue/red light and activation of the PM H+-ATPases, and on the negative regulation of stomatal opening by red light-activated phyB signaling and ultraviolet (UV-B and UV-A) irradiation. Besides, light-regulated guard cell (GC)-specific metabolic levels, mesophyll-derived sucrose, and CO2 concentration within GCs also play dual roles in stomatal opening. Thus, light-induced stomatal opening is tightly accompanied by brake mechanisms, allowing plants to coordinate carbon gain and water loss. Knowledge on the mechanisms regulating the trade-off between stomatal opening and closure may have potential applications toward generating superior crops with improved water use efficiency (CO2 gain vs. water loss).

Postharvest Spectral Light Composition Affects Chilling Injury in Anthurium Cut Flowers

The effect of the lighting environment during postharvest storage of ornamentals has largely been neglected in previous research. Anthurium is a cold-sensitive species originating from tropical climates and is widely cultivated all around the world for its colorful spathes. To investigate the effects of light spectrum on the performance of Anthurium cut flowers under cold storage, two cultivars [Calore (red spathe) and Angel (withe spathe)] were placed at low temperature (4°C), either in darkness (D) or under different light spectra [red (R), blue (B), 70:30% red:blue (RB), and white (W)] at an intensity of 125 µmol.m-2.s-1. In both cultivars, the longest and shortest vase lives were observed in spathes exposed to the R and B spectra, respectively. In both cultivars, electrolyte leakage (EL) of spathe was highest under the B and W spectra and lowest under the R spectrum. The highest rate of flower water loss from the spathes was observed under the B-containing light spectra, whereas the lowest rate of water loss was observed in D and under the R spectrum. Negative correlations were observed between EL and vase life and between anthocyanin concentration and EL for both Anthurium cultivars. A positive correlation was found between anthocyanin concentration and vase life. For both Anthurium cultivars, spectral light composition with higher percentage of B resulted in higher EL and as a result shorter vase life in cut flowers under cold storage condition. The negative effect of the B light spectrum on vase life of Anthurium can be explained through its effect on water loss and on oxidative stress and membrane integrity. The quality of Anthurium cut flowers should benefit from environments with restricted B light spectrum during postharvest handling.

Role of blue and red light in stomatal dynamic behaviour

Plants experience changes in light intensity and quality due to variations in solar angle and shading from clouds and overlapping leaves. Stomatal opening to increasing irradiance is often an order of magnitude slower than photosynthetic responses, which can result in CO2 diffusional limitations on leaf photosynthesis, as well as unnecessary water loss when stomata continue to open after photosynthesis has reached saturation. Stomatal opening to light is driven by two distinct pathways; the 'red' or photosynthetic response that occurs at high fluence rates and saturates with photosynthesis, and is thought to be the main mechanism that coordinates stomatal behaviour with photosynthesis; and the guard cell-specific 'blue' light response that saturates at low fluence rates, and is often considered independent of photosynthesis, and important for early morning stomatal opening. Here we review the literature on these complicated signal transduction pathways and osmoregulatory processes in guard cells that are influenced by the light environment. We discuss the possibility of tuning the sensitivity and magnitude of stomatal response to blue light which potentially represents a novel target to develop ideotypes with the 'ideal' balance between carbon gain, evaporative cooling, and maintenance of hydraulic status that is crucial for maximizing crop performance and productivity.

Metabolomics of red-light-induced stomatal opening in Arabidopsis thaliana: Coupling with abscisic acid and jasmonic acid metabolism

Environmental stimuli-triggered stomatal movement is a key physiological process that regulates CO₂ uptake and water loss in plants. Stomata are defined by pairs of guard cells that perceive and transduce external signals, leading to cellular volume changes and consequent stomatal aperture change. Within the visible light spectrum, red light induces stomatal opening in intact leaves. However, there has been debate regarding the extent to which red-light-induced stomatal opening arises from direct guard cell sensing of red light versus indirect responses as a result of red light influences on mesophyll photosynthesis. Here we identify conditions that result in red-light-stimulated stomatal opening in isolated epidermal peels and enlargement of protoplasts, firmly establishing a direct guard cell response to red light. We then employ metabolomics workflows utilizing gas chromatography mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for metabolite profiling and identification of Arabidopsis guard cell metabolic signatures in response to red light in the absence of the mesophyll. We quantified 223 metabolites in Arabidopsis guard cells, with 104 found to be red light responsive. These red-light-modulated metabolites participate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, carbon balance, phytohormone biosynthesis and redox homeostasis. We next analyzed selected Arabidopsis mutants, and discovered that stomatal opening response to red light is correlated with a decrease in guard cell abscisic acid content and an increase in jasmonic acid content. The red-light-modulated guard cell metabolome reported here provides fundamental information concerning autonomous red light signaling pathways in guard cells.

Growth, Nutrient Assimilation, and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Korean Pine (Pinus koraiensis) Seedlings in Response to Light Spectra

A need is growing to plant superior Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc.) seedlings to cope with the degradation of secondary forests in Northeast Eurasia. The goal of this study was to detect the physiological effect on the quality of Korean pine seedlings exposed to a range of spectra. One-year-old seedlings (n = 6) were cultured in three light-emitting diode (LED) spectra (69‒77 μmol m−2 s−1) of 13.9% red (R) + 77.0% green (G) + 9.2% blue (B) (R1BG5), 26.2% R + 70.2% G + 3.5% B (R2BG3), and 42.3% R + 57.3% G + 0.4% B (R3BG1). The spectrum of high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps (43.9% R + 54.7% G + 1.5 B) was taken as the reference. Results showed that LED-lighting resulted in shorter seedlings with a greater diameter, shoot biomass, assessed quality, and sturdiness compared to those under the HPS-lighting. The R3BG1 spectrum reduced the shoot nitrogen (N) deficiency induced by the HPS spectrum, while the R1BG5 treatment induced a steady-state uptake of N and phosphorus (P) in whole-plant organs. The R1BG5 spectrum also resulted in a higher soluble sugar concentration and higher activities of glutamine synthetase and acid phosphatase in needles compared to the control. Seedlings in the R2BG3 spectrum had the highest concentrations of chlorophyll and soluble protein in the leaves. Overall, the R-high LED-spectrum could stimulate biomass accumulation in shoot, but meanwhile resulted in a P deficiency. Hence, the LED lighting in the R1BG5 spectrum is recommended to promote the quality of Korean pine seedlings.

Blue and red light effects on stomatal oscillations

The response of stomata to red and blue light was investigated using small fibre optics (66µm diameter) to control light levels on a single pair of guard cells without affecting the surrounding tissue. Low intensity red light (50µmolm-2s-1) applied to the entire leaf caused stomata to oscillate continuously for several hours with no apparent decrease in amplitude with time. Adding low intensity blue light (50µmolm-2s-1) caused stomata to stop oscillating, but oscillations resumed when the blue light was removed. Adding the same intensity of red light to an oscillating leaf changed the amplitude of the oscillations but did not stop them. When blue light was added to a single guard cell pair (using a fibre optic) in a red-light-illuminated leaf, the stoma formed by that pair stopped oscillating, but adjacent stomata did not. Red light added to a single guard cell pair did not stop oscillations. Finally, blue light applied through a fibre optic to areas of leaf without stomata caused proximal stomata to stop oscillating, but distal stomata continued to oscillate. The data suggest that blue light affects stomata via direct effects on guard cells as well as by indirect effects on other cells in the leaf.

Differential accumulation of silymarin induced by exposure of Silybum marianum L. callus cultures to several spectres of monochromatic lights

Silybum marianum L. (Milk thistle) is one of the most extensively studied medicinal herbs with well-known hepatoprotective activity. Light is considered as a key abiotic elicitor influencing several physiological processes in plants, including the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. In this study, we investigated the influence of light quality on morphological and biochemical aspects in in vitro grown leaf-derived callus cultures of S. marianum. Combination of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP 2.5 mg/L) and α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA 1.0 mg/L) resulted in optimum callogenic response (97%) when placed under cool-white light with 16 h light and 8 h dark. Red light significantly increased the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities while highest peroxidase (POD) activity was recorded for the dark grown cultures, followed by green light grown cultures. HPLC analysis revealed enhanced total silymarin content under red light (18.67 mg/g DW), which was almost double than control (9.17 mg/g DW). Individually, the level of silychristin, isosilychristin, silydianin, silybin A and silybin B were found greatest under red light, whereas green spectrum resulted in highest accumulation of isosilybin A and isosilybin B. Conversely, the amount of taxifolin was found maximum under continuous white light (0.480 mg/g DW) which was almost 8-fold greater than control (0.063 mg/g DW). A positive correlation was found between the TPC, TFC and antioxidant activities. This study will assist in comprehending the influence of light quality on production of valuable secondary metabolites in in vitro cultures of S. marianum L.

The acclimation of Tilia cordata stomatal opening in response to light, and stomatal anatomy to vegetational shade and its components

Stomatal anatomical traits and rapid responses to several components of visible light were measured in Tilia cordata Mill. seedlings grown in an open, fully sunlit field (C-set), or under different kinds of shade. The main questions were: (i) stomatal responses to which visible light spectrum regions are modified by growth-environment shade and (ii) which separate component of vegetational shade is most effective in eliciting the acclimation effects of the full vegetational shade. We found that stomatal opening in response to red or green light did not differ between the plants grown in the different environments. Stomatal response to blue light was increased (in comparison with that of C-set) in the leaves grown in full vegetational shade (IABW-set), in attenuated UVAB irradiance (AB-set) or in decreased light intensity (neutral shade) plus attenuated UVAB irradiance (IAB-set). In all sets, the addition of green light-two or four times stronger-into induction light barely changed the rate of the blue-light-stimulated stomatal opening. In the AB-set, stomatal response to blue light equalled the strong IABW-set response. In attenuated UVB-grown leaves, stomatal response fell midway between IABW- and C-set results. Blue light response by neutral shade-grown leaves did not differ from that of the C-set, and the response by the IAB-set did not differ from that of the AB-set. Stomatal size was not modified by growth environments. Stomatal density and index were remarkably decreased only in the IABW- and IAB-sets. It was concluded that differences in white light responses between T. cordata leaves grown in different light environments are caused only by their different blue light response. Differences in stomatal sensitivity are not dependent on altered stomatal anatomy. Attenuated UVAB irradiance is the most efficient component of vegetational shade in stimulating acclimation of stomata, whereas decreased light intensity plays a minor role.

The HT1 protein kinase is essential for red light-induced stomatal opening and genetically interacts with OST1 in red light and CO2 -induced stomatal movement responses

The question of whether red light-induced stomatal opening is mediated by a photosynthesis-derived reduction in intercellular [CO2 ] (Ci ) remains controversial and genetic analyses are needed. The Arabidopsis thaliana protein kinase HIGH TEMPERATURE 1 (HT1) is a negative regulator of [CO2 ]-induced stomatal closing and ht1-2 mutant plants do not show stomatal opening to low [CO2 ]. The protein kinase mutant ost1-3 exhibits slowed stomatal responses to CO2 . The functions of HT1 and OPEN STOMATA 1 (OST1) to changes in red, blue light or [CO2 ] were analyzed. For comparison we assayed recessive ca1ca4 carbonic anhydrase double mutant plants, based on their slowed stomatal response to CO2 . Here, we report a strong impairment in ht1 in red light-induced stomatal opening whereas blue light was able to induce stomatal opening. The effects on photosynthetic performance in ht1 were restored when stomatal limitation of CO2 uptake, by control of [Ci ], was eliminated. HT1 was found to interact genetically with OST1 both during red light- and low [CO2 ]-induced stomatal opening. Analyses of ca1ca4 plants suggest that more than a low [Ci ]-dependent pathway may function in red light-induced stomatal opening. These results demonstrate that HT1 is essential for red light-induced stomatal opening and interacts genetically with OST1 during stomatal responses to red light and altered [CO2 ].

Guard cell photosynthesis is critical for stomatal turgor production, yet does not directly mediate CO2 - and ABA-induced stomatal closing

Stomata mediate gas exchange between the inter-cellular spaces of leaves and the atmosphere. CO2 levels in leaves (Ci) are determined by respiration, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and atmospheric [CO2 ]. [CO2 ] in leaves mediates stomatal movements. The role of guard cell photosynthesis in stomatal conductance responses is a matter of debate, and genetic approaches are needed. We have generated transgenic Arabidopsis plants that are chlorophyll-deficient in guard cells only, expressing a constitutively active chlorophyllase in a guard cell specific enhancer trap line. Our data show that more than 90% of guard cells were chlorophyll-deficient. Interestingly, approximately 45% of stomata had an unusual, previously not-described, morphology of thin-shaped chlorophyll-less stomata. Nevertheless, stomatal size, stomatal index, plant morphology, and whole-leaf photosynthetic parameters (PSII, qP, qN, FV '/FM' ) were comparable with wild-type plants. Time-resolved intact leaf gas-exchange analyses showed a reduction in stomatal conductance and CO2 -assimilation rates of the transgenic plants. Normalization of CO2 responses showed that stomata of transgenic plants respond to [CO2 ] shifts. Detailed stomatal aperture measurements of normal kidney-shaped stomata, which lack chlorophyll, showed stomatal closing responses to [CO2 ] elevation and abscisic acid (ABA), while thin-shaped stomata were continuously closed. Our present findings show that stomatal movement responses to [CO2 ] and ABA are functional in guard cells that lack chlorophyll. These data suggest that guard cell CO2 and ABA signal transduction are not directly modulated by guard cell photosynthesis/electron transport. Moreover, the finding that chlorophyll-less stomata cause a 'deflated' thin-shaped phenotype, suggests that photosynthesis in guard cells is critical for energization and guard cell turgor production.

Multi-level modeling of light-induced stomatal opening offers new insights into its regulation by drought

Plant guard cells gate CO2 uptake and transpirational water loss through stomatal pores. As a result of decades of experimental investigation, there is an abundance of information on the involvement of specific proteins and secondary messengers in the regulation of stomatal movements and on the pairwise relationships between guard cell components. We constructed a multi-level dynamic model of guard cell signal transduction during light-induced stomatal opening and of the effect of the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) on this process. The model integrates into a coherent network the direct and indirect biological evidence regarding the regulation of seventy components implicated in stomatal opening. Analysis of this signal transduction network identified robust cross-talk between blue light and ABA, in which [Ca2+]c plays a key role, and indicated an absence of cross-talk between red light and ABA. The dynamic model captured more than 10(31) distinct states for the system and yielded outcomes that were in qualitative agreement with a wide variety of previous experimental results. We obtained novel model predictions by simulating single component knockout phenotypes. We found that under white light or blue light, over 60%, and under red light, over 90% of all simulated knockouts had similar opening responses as wild type, showing that the system is robust against single node loss. The model revealed an open question concerning the effect of ABA on red light-induced stomatal opening. We experimentally showed that ABA is able to inhibit red light-induced stomatal opening, and our model offers possible hypotheses for the underlying mechanism, which point to potential future experiments. Our modelling methodology combines simplicity and flexibility with dynamic richness, making it well suited for a wide class of biological regulatory systems.

Guard cell chloroplasts are essential for blue light-dependent stomatal opening in Arabidopsis

Blue light (BL) induces stomatal opening through the activation of H+-ATPases with subsequent ion accumulation in guard cells. In most plant species, red light (RL) enhances BL-dependent stomatal opening. This RL effect is attributable to the chloroplasts of guard cell, the only cells in the epidermis possessing this organelle. To clarify the role of chloroplasts in stomatal regulation, we investigated the effects of RL on BL-dependent stomatal opening in isolated epidermis, guard cell protoplasts, and intact leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana. In isolated epidermal tissues and intact leaves, weak BL superimposed on RL enhanced stomatal opening while BL alone was less effective. In guard cell protoplasts, RL enhanced BL-dependent H+-pumping and DCMU, a photosynthetic electron transport inhibitor, eliminated this effect. RL enhanced phosphorylation levels of the H+-ATPase in response to BL, but this RL effect was not suppressed by DCMU. Furthermore, DCMU inhibited both RL-induced and BL-dependent stomatal opening in intact leaves. The photosynthetic rate in leaves correlated positively with BL-dependent stomatal opening in the presence of DCMU. We conclude that guard cell chloroplasts provide ATP and/or reducing equivalents that fuel BL-dependent stomatal opening, and that they indirectly monitor photosynthetic CO2 fixation in mesophyll chloroplasts by absorbing PAR in the epidermis.

Lacking chloroplasts in guard cells of crumpled leaf attenuates stomatal opening: both guard cell chloroplasts and mesophyll contribute to guard cell ATP levels

Controversies regarding the function of guard cell chloroplasts and the contribution of mesophyll in stomatal movements have persisted for several decades. Here, by comparing the stomatal opening of guard cells with (crl-ch) or without chloroplasts (crl-no ch) in one epidermis of crl (crumpled leaf) mutant in Arabidopsis, we showed that stomatal apertures of crl-no ch were approximately 65-70% those of crl-ch and approximately 50-60% those of wild type. The weakened stomatal opening in crl-no ch could be partially restored by imposing lower extracellular pH. Correspondingly, the external pH changes and K(+) accumulations following fusicoccin (FC) treatment were greatly reduced in the guard cells of crl-no ch compared with crl-ch and wild type. Determination of the relative ATP levels in individual cells showed that crl-no ch guard cells contained considerably lower levels of ATP than did crl-ch and wild type after 2 h of white light illumination. In addition, guard cell ATP levels were lower in the epidermis than in leaves, which is consistent with the observed weaker stomatal opening response to white light in the epidermis than in leaves. These results provide evidence that both guard cell chloroplasts and mesophyll contribute to the ATP source for H(+) extrusion by guard cells.

Analysis of gas exchange, stomatal behaviour and micronutrients uncovers dynamic response and adaptation of tomato plants to monochromatic light treatments

Light spectrum affects the yield and quality of greenhouse tomato, especially over a prolonged period of monochromatic light treatments. Physiological and chemical analysis was employed to investigate the influence of light spectral (blue, green and red) changes on growth, photosynthesis, stomatal behaviour, leaf pigment, and micronutrient levels. We found that plants are less affected under blue light treatment, which was evident by the maintenance of higher A, gs, Tr, and stomatal parameters and significantly lower VPD and Tleaf as compared to those plants grown in green and red light treatments. Green and red light treatments led to significantly larger increase in the accumulation of Fe, B, Zn, and Cu than blue light. Moreover, guard cell length, width, and volume all showed highly significant positive correlations to gs, Tr and negative links to VPD. There was negative impact of monochromatic lights-induced accumulation of Mn, Cu, and Zn on photosynthesis, leaf pigments and plant growth. Furthermore, most of the light-induced significant changes of the physiological traits were partially recovered at the end of experiment. A high degree of morphological and physiological plasticity to blue, green and red light treatments suggested that tomato plants may have developed mechanisms to adapt to the light treatments. Thus, understanding the optimization of light spectrum for photosynthesis and growth is one of the key components for greenhouse tomato production.

Is the signal from the mesophyll to the guard cells a vapour-phase ion?

Previous studies have suggested that the red light and CO2 responses of stomata are caused by a signal from the mesophyll to the guard cells. Experiments were conducted to test the idea that this signal is a vapour-phase ion. Stomata in isolated epidermes of Tradescantia pallida were found to respond to air ions created by an electrode that was positioned under the epidermes. Anthocyanins in the epidermes of this species were observed to change colour in response to these air ions, and this change in colour was attributed to changes in pH. A similar change in lower epidermal colour was observed in intact leaves upon illumination and with changes in CO2 concentration. Based on the change in epidermal colour, the pH of the epidermis was estimated to be approximately 7.0 in darkness and 6.5 in the light. Stomata in isolated epidermes responded to pH when suspended over (but not in contact with) solutions of different pH. We speculate that stomatal responses to CO2 and light are caused by vapour-phase ions, possibly hydronium ions that change the pH of the epidermis.

Opinion: the red-light response of stomatal movement is sensed by the redox state of the photosynthetic electron transport chain

Guard cells regulate CO2 uptake and water loss of a leaf by controlling stomatal movement in response to environmental factors such as CO2, humidity, and light. The mechanisms by which stomata respond to red light are actively debated in the literature, and even after decades of research it is still controversial whether stomatal movement is related to photosynthesis or not. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the red-light response of stomata. A comparison of published evidence suggests that stomatal movement is controlled by the redox state of photosynthetic electron transport chain components, in particular the redox state of plastoquinone. Potential consequences for the modeling of stomatal conductance are discussed.

Photosynthesis-dependent and -independent responses of stomata to blue, red and green monochromatic light: differences between the normally oriented and inverted leaves of sunflower

The effects of growth light environment on stomatal light responses were analyzed. We inverted leaves of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) for 2 weeks until their full expansion, and measured gas exchange properties of the adaxial and abaxial sides separately. The sensitivity to light assessed as the increase in stomatal conductance was generally higher in the abaxial stomata than in the adaxial stomata, and these differences could not be completely changed by the inversion treatment. We also treated the leaves with DCMU to inhibit photosynthesis and evaluated the photosynthesis-dependent and -independent components of stomatal light responses. The red light response of stomata in both normally oriented and inverted leaves relied only on the photosynthesis-dependent component. The blue light response involved both the photosynthesis-dependent and photosynthesis-independent components, and the relative contributions of the two components differed between the normally oriented and inverted leaves. A green light response was observed only in the abaxial stomata, which also involved the photosynthesis-dependent and photosynthesis-independent components, strongly suggesting the existence of a green light receptor in sunflower leaves. Moreover, acclimation of the abaxial stomata to strong direct light eliminated the photosynthesis-independent component in the green light response. The results showed that stomatal responses to monochromatic light change considerably in response to growth light environment, although some of these responses appear to be determined inherently.

Phytochrome B is involved in mediating red light-induced stomatal opening in Arabidopsis thaliana

The stomatal pores of higher plants enable gaseous exchange into and out of leaves for photosynthesis and evaporation. Stomatal opening is induced by both blue and red lights. It is shown that blue light-induced stomatal opening is mediated by the blue light receptor phototropins (PHOT1 and PHOT2) and cryptochromes (CRY1 and CRY2). However, whether phytochrome B (phyB) is involved in red light regulation of stomatal opening remains largely unclear. Here, we report a positive role for Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) phyB in the regulation of red light-induced stomatal opening. The phyB mutant stomata displayed a reduced red light response, whereas stomata of the phyB-overexpressing plants displayed a hypersensitive response to red light. In addition, stomata of the cry1 cry2 phyB, phot1 phot2 phyB, and cry1 phyA phyB triple mutant plants showed more reduced light response than those of the single or double mutant plants under white light, implying that phyB acts in concert with phyA, CRY, and PHOT in light regulation of stomatal opening. Stomata of phyB cop1 mutant opened less wide than those of the cop1 mutant, and stomata of the pif3 pif4 mutant opened wider than those of the wild-type, indicating that COP1, together with the PIFs (phytochrome interacting factors), may act downstream of PHYB in regulating stomatal opening. Furthermore, quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of MYB60 was reduced in the cry1 cry2 and phyA phyB mutants under blue and red lights, respectively, but induced in the CRY1- and phyB-overexpressing plants. These results demonstrate that phyB and CRY might regulate stomatal opening, at least in part, by regulating MYB60 expression.

Opinion: stomatal responses to light and CO(2) depend on the mesophyll

The mechanisms by which stomata respond to red light and CO(2) are unknown, but much of the current literature assumes that these mechanisms reside wholly within the guard cells. However, responses of guard cells in isolated epidermes are typically much smaller than those in leaves, and there are several lines of evidence in the literature suggesting that the mesophyll is necessary for these responses in leaves. This paper advances the opinion that although guard cells may have small direct responses to red light and CO(2), most of the stomatal response to these factors in leaves is caused by an unknown signal that originates in the mesophyll.

Guard cell photosynthesis and stomatal function

Chloroplasts are a key feature of most guard cells; however, the function of these organelles in stomatal responses has been a subject of debate. This review examines evidence for and against a role of guard cell chloroplasts in stimulating stomatal opening. Controversy remains over the extent to which guard cell Calvin cycle activity contributes to stomatal regulation. However, this is only one of four possible functions of guard cell chloroplasts; other roles include supply of ATP, blue-light signalling and starch storage. Evidence exists for all these mechanisms, but is highly dependent upon species and growth/measurement conditions, with inconsistencies between different laboratories reported. Significant plasticity and extreme flexibility in guard cell osmoregulatory, signalling and sensory pathways may be one explanation. The use of chlorophyll a fluorescence analysis of individual guard cells is discussed in assessing guard and mesophyll cell physiology in relation to stomatal function. Developments in transgenic and molecular techniques have recently provided interesting, albeit contrasting, data regarding the role of these highly conserved organelles in stomatal function. Recent studies examining the link between mesophyll photosynthesis and stomatal conductance are discussed. An enhanced understanding of these processes may be fundamental in generating crop plants with greater water use efficiencies, capable of combating future climatic changes.

The role of the mesophyll in stomatal responses to light and CO2

Stomatal responses to light and CO(2) were investigated using isolated epidermes of Tradescantia pallida, Vicia faba and Pisum sativum. Stomata in leaves of T. pallida and P. sativum responded to light and CO(2), but those from V. faba did not. Stomata in isolated epidermes of all three species could be opened on KCl solutions, but they showed no response to light or CO(2). However, when isolated epidermes of T. pallida and P. sativum were placed on an exposed mesophyll from a leaf of the same species or a different species, they regained responsiveness to light and CO(2). Stomatal responses in these epidermes were similar to those in leaves in that they responded rapidly and reversibly to changes in light and CO(2). Epidermes from V. faba did not respond to light or CO(2) when placed on mesophyll from any of the three species. Experiments with single optic fibres suggest that stomata were being regulated via signals from the mesophyll produced in response to light and CO(2) rather than being sensitized to light and CO(2) by the mesophyll. The data suggest that most of the stomatal response to CO(2) and light occurs in response to a signal generated by the mesophyll.

The stomata of the fern Adiantum capillus-veneris do not respond to CO2 in the dark and open by photosynthesis in guard cells

The stomata of the fern Adiantum capillus-veneris lack a blue light-specific opening response but open in response to red light. We investigated this light response of Adiantum stomata and found that the light wavelength dependence of stomatal opening matched that of photosynthesis. The simultaneous application of red (2 micromol m(-2) s(-1)) and far-red (50 micromol m(-2) s(-1)) light synergistically induced stomatal opening, but application of only one of these wavelengths was ineffective. Adiantum stomata did not respond to CO2 in the dark; the stomata neither opened under a low intercellular CO2 concentration nor closed under high intercellular CO2 concentration. Stomata in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), which were used as a control, showed clear sensitivity to CO2. In Adiantum, stomatal conductance showed much higher light sensitivity when the light was applied to the lower leaf surface, where stomata exist, than when it was applied to the upper surface. This suggests that guard cells likely sensed the light required for stomatal opening. In the epidermal fragments, red light induced both stomatal opening and K+ accumulation in guard cells, and both of these responses were inhibited by a photosynthetic inhibitor, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea. The stomatal opening was completely inhibited by CsCl, a K+ channel blocker. In intact fern leaves, red light-induced stomatal opening was also suppressed by 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea. These results indicate that Adiantum stomata lack sensitivity to CO2 in the dark and that stomatal opening is driven by photosynthetic electron transport in guard cell chloroplasts, probably via K+ uptake.

The contribution of photosynthesis to the red light response of stomatal conductance

To determine the contribution of photosynthesis on stomatal conductance, we contrasted the stomatal red light response of wild-type tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum 'W38') with that of plants impaired in photosynthesis by antisense reductions in the content of either cytochrome b(6)f complex (anti-b/f plants) or Rubisco (anti-SSU plants). Both transgenic genotypes showed a lowered content of the antisense target proteins in guard cells as well as in the mesophyll. In the anti-b/f plants, CO(2) assimilation rates were proportional to leaf cytochrome b(6)f content, but there was little effect on stomatal conductance and the rate of stomatal opening. To compare the relationship between photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, wild-type plants and anti-SSU plants were grown at 30 and 300 micromol photon m(-2) s(-1) irradiance (low light and medium light [ML], respectively). Growth in ML increased CO(2) assimilation rates and stomatal conductance in both genotypes. Despite the significantly lower CO(2) assimilation rate in the anti-SSU plants, the differences in stomatal conductance between the genotypes were nonsignificant at either growth irradiance. Irrespective of plant genotype, stomatal density in the two leaf surfaces was 2-fold higher in ML-grown plants than in low-light-grown plants and conductance normalized to stomatal density was unaffected by growth irradiance. We conclude that the red light response of stomatal conductance is independent of the concurrent photosynthetic rate of the guard cells or of that of the underlying mesophyll. Furthermore, we suggest that the correlation of photosynthetic capacity and stomatal conductance observed under different light environments is caused by signals largely independent of photosynthesis.

Reductions in mesophyll and guard cell photosynthesis impact on the control of stomatal responses to light and CO2

Transgenic antisense tobacco plants with a range of reductions in sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase (SBPase) activity were used to investigate the role of photosynthesis in stomatal opening responses. High resolution chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging showed that the quantum efficiency of photosystem II electron transport (F(q)(')/F(m)(')) was decreased similarly in both guard and mesophyll cells of the SBPase antisense plants compared to the wild-type plants. This demonstrated for the first time that photosynthetic operating efficiency in the guard cells responds to changes in the regeneration capacity of the Calvin cycle. The rate of stomatal opening in response to a 30 min, 10-fold step increase in red photon flux density in the leaves from the SBPase antisense plants was significantly greater than wild-type plants. Final stomatal conductance under red and mixed blue/red irradiance was greater in the antisense plants than in the wild-type control plants despite lower CO(2) assimilation rates and higher internal CO(2) concentrations. Increasing CO(2) concentration resulted in a similar stomatal closing response in wild-type and antisense plants when measured in red light. However, in the antisense plants with small reductions in SBPase activity greater stomatal conductances were observed at all C(i) levels. Together, these data suggest that the primary light-induced opening or CO(2)-dependent closing response of stomata is not dependent upon guard or mesophyll cell photosynthetic capacity, but that photosynthetic electron transport, or its end-products, regulate the control of stomatal responses to light and CO(2).

Blue light inhibits guard cell plasma membrane anion channels in a phototropin-dependent manner

Guard cells respond to light through two independent signalling pathways. The first pathway is initiated by photosynthetically active radiation and has been associated with changes in the intercellular CO(2) concentration, leading to inhibition of plasma membrane anion channels. The second response is blue-light-specific and so far has been restricted to the activation of plasma membrane H(+)-ATPases. In a search for interactions of both signalling pathways, guard cells of Vicia faba and Arabidopsis thaliana were studied in intact plants. Vicia faba guard cells recorded in CO(2)-free air responded to blue light with a transient outward plasma membrane current that had an average peak value of 17 pA. In line with previous reports, changes in the current-voltage relation of the plasma membrane indicate that this outward current is based on the activation of H(+)-ATPases. However, when V. faba guard cells were blue-light-stimulated in air with 700 microl l(-1) CO(2), the outward current increased to 56 pA. The increase in current was linked to inhibition of S-type anion channels. Blue light also inhibited plasma membrane anion channels in A. thaliana guard cells, but not in the phot1 phot2 double mutant. These results show that blue light inhibits plasma membrane anion channels through a pathway involving phototropins, in addition to the stimulation of guard cell plasma membrane H(+)-ATPases.

Light regulation of stomatal movement

Stomatal pores, each surrounded by a pair of guard cells, regulate CO2 uptake and water loss from leaves. Stomatal opening is driven by the accumulation of K+ salts and sugars in guard cells, which is mediated by electrogenic proton pumps in the plasma membrane and/or metabolic activity. Opening responses are achieved by coordination of light signaling, light-energy conversion, membrane ion transport, and metabolic activity in guard cells. In this review, we focus on recent progress in blue- and red-light-dependent stomatal opening. Because the blue-light response of stomata appears to be strongly affected by red light, we discuss underlying mechanisms in the interaction between blue-light signaling and guard cell chloroplasts.

Guard cell ABA and CO2 signaling network updates and Ca2+ sensor priming hypothesis

Stomatal pores in the epidermis of plants enable gas exchange between plants and the atmosphere, a process vital to plant life. Pairs of specialized guard cells surround and control stomatal apertures. Stomatal closing is induced by abscisic acid (ABA) and elevated CO(2) concentrations. Recent advances have been made in understanding ABA signaling and in characterizing CO(2) transduction mechanisms and CO(2) signaling mutants. In addition, models of Ca(2+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent signaling in guard cells have been developed and a new hypothesis has been formed in which physiological stimuli are proposed to prime Ca(2+) sensors, thus enabling specificity in Ca(2+)-dependent signal transduction.

Guard cells in albino leaf patches do not respond to photosynthetically active radiation, but are sensitive to blue light, CO2 and abscisic acid

Stomatal openings can be stimulated by light through two signalling pathways. The first pathway is blue light specific and involves phototropins, while the second pathway mediates a response to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). This second pathway was studied with the use of albino Vicia faba plants and variegated leaves of Chlorophytum comosum. Treatment of V. faba with norflurazon (Nf) inhibits the synthesis of carotenoids and leads to albino leaves with guard cells that lack functional green chloroplasts. Guard cells in albino leaf patches of C. comosum, however, do contain photosynthetically active chloroplasts. Stomata in albino leaf patches of both plants did not respond to red light, although blue light could still induce stomatal opening. This shows that the response to PAR is not functioning in albino leaf patches, even though guard cells of C. comosum harbour chloroplasts. Stomata of Nf-treated plants still responded to CO2 and abscisic acid (ABA). The size of Nf-treated guard cells was increased, but impalement studies with double-barrelled microelectrodes revealed no changes in ion-transport properties at the plasma membrane of guard cells. Blue light could hyperpolarize albino guard cells by triggering outward currents with peak values of 37 pA in albino plants and 51 pA in green control cells. Because of the inhibition of carotenoid biosynthesis, Nf-treated V. faba plants contained only 4% of the ABA content found in green control plants. The ABA dose dependence of anion channel activation in guard cells was shifted in these plants, causing a reduced response to 10 microM ABA. These data show that despite the dramatic changes in physiology caused by Nf, the gross responsiveness of guard cells to blue light, CO2 and ABA remains unaltered. Stomata in albino leaf patches, however, do not respond to PAR, but require photosynthetically active mesophyll cells for this response.

Arabidopsis HT1 kinase controls stomatal movements in response to CO2

Guard cells, which form stomata in leaf epidermes, sense a multitude of environmental signals and integrate this information to regulate stomatal movements. Compared with the advanced understanding of light and water stress responses in guard cells, the molecular mechanisms that underlie stomatal CO(2) signalling have remained relatively obscure. With a high-throughput leaf thermal imaging CO(2) screen, we report the isolation of two allelic Arabidopsis mutants (high leaf temperature 1; ht1-1 and ht1-2) that are altered in their ability to control stomatal movements in response to CO(2). The strong allele, ht1-2, exhibits a markedly impaired CO(2) response but shows functional responses to blue light, fusicoccin and abscisic acid (ABA), indicating a role for HT1 in stomatal CO(2) signalling. HT1 encodes a protein kinase that is expressed mainly in guard cells. Phosphorylation assays demonstrate that the activity of the HT1 protein carrying the ht1-1 or ht1-2 mutation is greatly impaired or abolished, respectively. Furthermore, dominant-negative HT1(K113W) transgenic plants, which lack HT1 kinase activity, show a disrupted CO(2) response. These findings indicate that the HT1 kinase is important for regulation of stomatal movements and its function is more pronounced in response to CO(2) than it is to ABA or light.

Evidence for involvement of photosynthetic processes in the stomatal response to CO2

Stomatal conductance (gs) typically declines in response to increasing intercellular CO2 concentration (ci). However, the mechanisms underlying this response are not fully understood. Recent work suggests that stomatal responses to ci and red light (RL) are linked to photosynthetic electron transport. We investigated the role of photosynthetic electron transport in the stomatal response to ci in intact leaves of cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) plants by examining the responses of gs and net CO2 assimilation rate to ci in light and darkness, in the presence and absence of the photosystem II inhibitor 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU), and at 2% and 21% ambient oxygen. Our results indicate that (1) gs and assimilation rate decline concurrently and with similar spatial patterns in response to DCMU; (2) the response of gs to ci changes slope in concert with the transition from Rubisco- to electron transport-limited photosynthesis at various irradiances and oxygen concentrations; (3) the response of gs to ci is similar in darkness and in DCMU-treated leaves, whereas the response in light in non-DCMU-treated leaves is much larger and has a different shape; (4) the response of gs to ci is insensitive to oxygen in DCMU-treated leaves or in darkness; and (5) stomata respond normally to RL when ci is held constant, indicating the RL response does not require a reduction in ci by mesophyll photosynthesis. Together, these results suggest that part of the stomatal response to ci involves the balance between photosynthetic electron transport and carbon reduction either in the mesophyll or in guard cell chloroplasts.

Guard cell metabolism and CO2 sensing

In this review we concentrate on guard cell metabolism and CO2 sensing. Although a matter of some controversy, it is generally accepted that the Calvin cycle plays a minor role in stomatal movements. Recent data emphasise the importance of guard cell starch degradation and of carbon import from the guard cell apoplast in promoting and maintaining stomatal opening. Chloroplast maltose and glucose transporters appear to be crucial to the export of carbon from both guard and mesophyll cells. The way guard cells sense CO2 remains an unresolved question. However, a better understanding of the cellular events downstream from CO2 sensing is emerging. We now recognise that there are common as well as unique steps in abscisic acid (ABA) and CO2 signalling pathways. For example, while ABA and CO2 both trigger increases in cytoplasmic free calcium, unlike ABA, CO2 does not promote a cytoplasmic pH change. Future advances in this area are likely to result from the increased use of techniques and resources, such as, reverse genetics, novel mutants, confocal imaging, and microarray analyses of the guard cell transcriptome.

Metabolite export of isolated guard cell chloroplasts of Vicia faba

•  Stomatal opening is caused by guard cell swelling due to an accumulation of osmotica. We investigated the release of carbon from guard cell chloroplasts as a source for the production of organic osmotica. •  Photosynthetically active chloroplasts were isolated from guard cell protoplasts of Vicia faba. Export of metabolites into the surrounding medium was analyzed by silicone oil filtering centrifugation and spectrophotometrically by coupled metabolite assays. Effects of external oxaloacetate and 3-phosphoglycerate on photosynthetic electron transport were examined by recording chlorophyll fluorescence. •  In the light, guard cell chloroplasts exported triose phosphates, glucose, maltose and hexose phosphates. The presence of phosphate in the medium was essential for the release of phosphorylated compounds and also strongly enhanced the export of glucose and maltose. Total efflux of carbon from illuminated guard cell chloroplasts was on average 486 µatom C (mg Chl)^-1  h^-1 , which was significant with respect to the carbon requirement for stomatal opening. •  Metabolites released by illuminated guard cell chloroplasts originated predominantly from starch breakdown. Photosynthetic electron transport provided redox power for the reduction of oxaloacetate and 3-phosphoglycerate.

The guard cell chloroplast: a perspective for the twenty-first century

The guard cell chloroplast is the site of perception of blue light and of photosynthetically active radiation, and of at least one of the mechanisms sensing CO₂ in the guard cell. The guard cell chloroplast has been the focus of intense controversy over its capacity for light sensing and photosynthetic carbon fixation, and the osmoregulatory mechanisms mediating stomatal movements. It is argued here that a primary reason behind these long-lived controversies is the remarkable plasticity of the guard cell, which has resulted in responses being generalized as basic properties when opposite responses appear to be the norm under different environmental or experimental conditions. Examples of guard cell plasticity are described, including variation of chlorophyll fluorescence transients over a daily course, acclimation of the guard cell responses to blue light and CO₂ , the shift from potassium to sucrose in daily courses of osmoregulation and the transduction of red light into different osmoregulatory pathways. Recent findings on the properties of the guard cell chloroplast are also presented, including the role of the chloroplastic carotenoid, zeaxanthin, in blue light photoreception, the blue-green reversibility of stomatal movements, and the involvement of phytochrome in the stomatal response to light in the orchid, Paphiopedilum.