Plant Adaptations to the Environment.ppt

9/12/07 Physiological adaptations photosynthesis respiration growth rates abcission layer formation (deciduousness) seed and bud dormancy sprouting (apical dominance) chemical defenses against herbivory. Three modes of photosynthesis C3 pathway, aka Calvin cycle, most common. Ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP, Rubisco) most abundant protein on Earth; enzyme captures CO2 but also has high affinity for O2. Phosphoglyceric acid (PGA) is 3-C sugar formed during CO2 uptake. Photorespiration makes photosynthesis less efficient but also protects cells from excess light energy. At high CO2:O2 ratios, Rubisco is more efficient, thus C3 plants respond more to elevated CO2 than do C4 plants Most trees, shrubs, cool-season grasses Calvin Cycle Three modes of photosynthesis C4 pathway, aka Hatch-Slack, has additional enzyme, PEP carboxylase, with much higher affinity for CO2. Oxaloacetate (OAA) is 4-C sugar formed during CO2 uptake. Rubisco concentrated in bundle sheath cells, where OAA delivers CO2. Photorespiration limited because CO2:O2 is much higher inside bundle sheath cells than in C3’s. Less Rubisco needed for psn means higher N-use efficiency. Three modes of photosynthesis C4 pathway Higher T optimum and light saturation. High water use efficiency (C gained per H2O lost) because stomates can be partly closed. Lower response to elevated CO2 Cost of C4: additional ATP is needed for PEP cycle, which may limit C4 growth at low light levels 2000 species in 18 families; half of all grass (Poaceae) species (warm-season grasses) Three modes of photosynthesis CAM pathway, aka Crassulacean Acid Metabolism, named after plant family Similar biochemistry as C4 but stomates open only at night Rubisco requires light energy so fixation uses organic acids stored overnight Maximum photosynthetic rates are slower but very high WUE Some CAM plants also use C3 when conditions are favorable (“facultative”) 20,000 species in 25 families Relative abundance of C3 and C4 grasses and shrubs