The genetic basis and improvement of photosynthesis in tomato

Photosynthesis is one the most important chemical reaction in plants,and it is the ultimate energy source of any living organisms.The light and dark reactions are two essential phases of photosynthesis.Light reaction harvests light energy to synthesize ATP and NADPH through an electron transport chain,and as well as giving out O_(2);dark reaction fixes CO_(2) into six carbon sugars by utilizing NADPH and energy from ATP.Subsequently,plants convert optical energy into chemical energy for maintaining growth and development through absorbing light energy.Here,firstly,we highlighted the biological importance of photosynthesis,and hormones and metabolites,photosynthetic and regulating enzymes,and signaling components that collectively regulate photosynthesis in tomato.Next,we reviewed the advances in tomato photosynthesis,including two aspects of genetic basis and genetic improvement.Numerous genes regulating tomato photosynthesis are gradually uncovered,and the interaction network among those genes remains to be constructed.Finally,the photosynthesis occurring in fruit of tomato and the relationship between photosynthesis in leaf and fruit were discussed.Leaves and fruits are photosynthate sources and sinks of tomato respectively,and interaction between photosynthesis in leaf and fruit exists.Additionally,future perspectives that needs to be addressed on tomato photosynthesis were proposed.

Extension Modeling Strategy of Intelligent Detection in D.huoshanense Photosynthesis Process

Aiming at the limitations of the existing knowledge representations in intelligent detection, a new method of Extension-based Knowledge Representation (EKR) was proposed. The definitions, grammar rules, and storage structure of EKR were presented. An Extension Solving Model (ESM) based on EKR was discussed in detail, including creation of the extension constraint graph, extended inference, calculation of relevant functions and generation of extension set. A knowledge base system based on EKR and ESM was developed, which was applied in extension repository system intelligent design of detection in photosynthesis process of D.huoshanense. More reasonable results were obtained than traditional rule-based system. EKR was feasible in intelligent design to solve the problem of intelligent detection knowledge representations.

Enhanced tolerance to drought in transgenic rice plants overexpressing C_4 photosynthesis enzymes

Maize-specific pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase(PPDK) was overexpressed in rice independently or in combination with the maize C4-specific phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase(PCK). The wild-type(WT) cultivar Kitaake and transgenic plants were evaluated in independent field and tank experiments. Three soil moisture treatments,well-watered(WW), moderate drought(MD) and severe drought(SD), were imposed from 9d post-anthesis till maturity. Leaf physiological and biochemical traits, root activities,biomass, grain yield, and yield components in the untransformed WT and two transgenic rice lines(PPDK and PCK) were systematically studied. Compared with the WT, both transgenic rice lines showed increased leaf photosynthetic rate: by 20%–40% under WW, by45%–60% under MD, and by 80%–120% under SD. The transgenic plants produced 16.1%,20.2% and 20.0% higher grain yields than WT under the WW, MD and SD treatments,respectively. Under the same soil moisture treatments, activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase(PEPC) and carbonic anhydrase(CA) in transgenic plants were 3–5-fold higher than those in WT plants. Compared with ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase, activities of PEPC and CA were less reduced under both MD and SD treatments. The transgenic plants also showed higher leaf water content, stomatal conductance, transpiration efficiency, and root oxidation activity and a stronger active oxygen scavenging system than the WT under all soil moisture treatments, especially MD and SD. The results suggest that drought tolerance is greatly enhanced in transgenic rice plants overexpressing C4photosynthesis enzymes. This study was performed under natural conditions and normal planting density to evaluate yield advantages on a field basis. It may open a new avenue to droughttolerance breeding via overexpression of C4enzymes in rice.

Human photosynthesis, the ultimate answer to the long term mystery of Kleiber’s law or E = M^3/4: Implication in the context of gerontology and neurodegenerative diseases

Kleiber’s Law or E = M3/4 is a mathematical expression known since 1932 that outlines the relationship between mass (biomass) and the use of energy. It is compelling because it supports a long standing observation that larger animals appear to use energy more efficiently than smaller ones. For example, an elephant’s weight is 200,000 times of a mouse, but uses only about 10,000 fold energy;thus a cat, having a mass of about 100 times of a mouse, only spends roughly 33 fold energy. In other words, the bigger you are, the less energy per gram of tissue you actually need to stay alive. Many facts pertaining to animal size call for a rational explanation. This paper takes into account that the fascinating relationship between mass and energy use for any living thing is governed strictly by a mathematical universal formula across all living species, operating in the tiniest of bacteria to the biggest of whales and sequoia tress. For the first time, we report a capacity for the mammal eukaryotic cell to split, break or dissociate water molecules through melanin. Even though E = M3/4 was discovered eight decades ago, no proper satisfactory explanation exists. Nevertheless, our multiyear detailed study on the “Human Photosynthesis” or first found in the human retina and later in all eukaryotic cells, may finally unravel this mystery, namely, the bigger you are the more surface area you have to absorb electromagnetic radiation and the more potential exists to use that electromagnetic radiation spectra to perform work. We propose a future application of this theory in the context of human diseases, especially age-related disorders, such as retinopathy, cerebrovascular and Alzheimer disease and these implications may not only foster a better understanding of the pathobiology of these devastating diseases but also develop much more effective therapies in the foreseeable future.

Photosynthesis-Dependent Extracellular Ca2+ Influx Triggers an Asexual Reproductive Cycle in the Marine Red Macroalga Porphyra yezoensis

Asexual propagation to increase the number of gametophytic clones via the growth of asexual haploid spores is a unique survival strategy found in marine multicellular algae. However, the mechanisms regulating the asexual life cycle are largely unknown. Here, factors involved in the regulation of production and discharge of asexual spores, so-called monospores, are identified in the marine red macroalga Porphyra yezoensis. First, enhanced discharge of monospores was found by incubation of gametophytes in ASPMT1, a modified version of the previously established synthetic medium ASP12. Comparison of the compositions of ASPMT1 and our standard medium, ESL, indicated that the Ca2+ concentration in ASPMT1 was three times lower than that in ESL medium. Thus, we modified ASPMT1 by increasing its Ca2+ concentration, resulting in reduction of monospore discharge. These findings demonstrate the role of reduced Ca2+ concentrations in enhancing monospore production and release. Moreover, it was also observed that initiation of asexual life cycle required illumination, was repressed by DCMU, and was induced by a Ca2+ ionophore in the dark. Taken together, these results indicate that photosynthesis-dependent Ca2+ influx triggers the asexual life cycle by promoting the production and discharge of monospores in P. yezoensis.

Canopy Net Photosynthesis Rate of a Mongolian Oak (<i>Quercus mongolica</i>) Forest Estimated by Field Experimental Data

The canopy net photosynthesis rate of Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica) tree species that are dominant in East Asia and Korea is estimated with empirical models derived from field experimental data obtained from the Nam-San site in Seoul, Korea for the growing period from early May to late October in 2010. The empirical models include the attenuation function of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) (r2 = 0.98-0.99, p r2 = 0.99, p < 0.001) derived from the measured data at several levels within the canopy. The incident PPFD at each level within canopy significantly varies diurnally and seasonally due to the seasonal variation of the total plant area index (TPAI = leaf area index + wood silhouette area index) and the light shielding effect of light path-length through the canopy in association with the variation of solar elevation angle. Consequently, a remarkable seasonal variation of the total canopy net photosynthesis rate of Q. mongolica forest stand is found for its growing period. The PPFD exceeding 1000 μmol m-2·s-1 is found to cause the decrease of net photosynthesis rate due to the thermal stress in the early (May) and late (September) growing period. During the whole growing season, the estimated total canopy net photosynthesis rate is found to be about 3.3 kg CO2 m-2.

Species- and Habitat-variability of Photosynthesis, Transpiration and Water Use Efficiency of Different Plant Species in Maowusu Sand Area

Photosynthesis ( P n ), transpiration ( E ) and water use efficiency ( WUE ) of more than 66 arid sand species from different environmental habitats, shifting sand dune, fixed sand dune, lowland and wetland in the Maowusu Sand Area were analyzed and the relation among these characteristics and the resource utilization efficiency, taxonomic categories and growth forms of the species were assessed. The results showed that species from Chenopodiaceae, Gramineae, Leguminosae which possessed the C 4 photosynthesis pathway, or C 3 pathway and also with nitrogen_fixation capacities had higher or the highest P n values, i.e., 20～30 μmol CO 2·m -2 ·s -1 , while that of evergreen shrub of Pinaceae had the lowest P n values, i.e., 0～5 μmol CO 2·m -2 ·s -1 . Those species from Compositae, Scrophulariaceae, and Gramineae with C 3 pathway but no N_fixation capacity had the highest E rates, i.e., 20～30 mmol H 2O·m -2 ·s -1 and again the evergreen shrub together with some species from Salicaceae and Compositae had the lowest E rates, i.e., 0～5 mmol H 2O·m -2 ·s -1 . Species from Leguminosae, Gramineae and Chenopodiaceae with C 4 pathway or C 3 pathway with N_fixation capacity, both shrubs and grasses, generally had higher WUE . However, even the physiological traits of the same species were habitat_ and season_specific. The values of both P n and E in late summer were much higher than those in early summer, with average increases of 26%, 40% respectively in the four habitats. WUE in late summer was, however, 12% lower. Generally, when the environments became drier as a result of habitats changed, i.e., in the order of wetland, lowland, fixed sand dune and shifting sand dune, P n and E decreased but WUE increased.

Melatonin Alleviates Abscisic Acid Deficiency Inhibition on Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Systems in Rice under Salt Stress

Melatonin and abscisic acid,as major plant hormones,play important roles in the physiological and biochemical activities of crops,but the interaction between the two under salt stress is not yet clear.This study investigated the endogenous levels of melatonin and abscisic acid in rice by using exogenous melatonin,abscisic acid,and their synthetic inhibitors,and examined their interactions under salt stress.The research results indicate that melatonin and abscisic acid can improve rice salt tolerance.Melatonin alleviated the salt sensitivity caused by abscisic acid deficiency,increased antioxidant enzyme activity and antioxidant content in rice treated with abscisic acid synth-esis inhibitors,and reduced total reactive oxygen species content and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance accu-mulation.Melatonin also increased the activity of key photosynthetic enzymes and the content of photosynthetic pigments,maintaining the parameters of photosynthetic gas exchange and chlorophyllfluorescence.In summary,melatonin alleviated the effects of abscisic acid deficiency on photosynthesis and antioxidant systems in rice and improved salt tolerance.This study is beneficial for expanding the understanding of melatonin regulation of crop salt tolerance.

Modelling Visible Foliar Injury Effects on Canopy Photosynthesis and Potential Crop Yield Losses Resulting from Fluoride Exposure

Crop production models are highly developed to account for different nitrogen, light, temperature and water availability conditions and, in some species, disease or air pollutant effects. There is very limited knowledge on responses of many tropical crops, such as oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), to air pollutants although predictions of these effects are essential for industrial planning in several countries. In the absence of limitations due to water supply, the effects of leaf area loss due to necrosis and chlorosis are much more important to canopy photosynthesis than are changes in the physiological attributes that influence the efficiency of light use. Therefore, potential losses of crop production due to air pollutants such as fluoride can be inferred usefully from the extent of visible injury to foliage that may be associated with different levels of pollutant exposure.

Photosynthesis of Submerged and Surface Leaves of the Dwarf Water Lily(Nymphoides aquatica)Using PAM Fluorometry

Dwarf Water Lilies Nymphoides aquatica(J.F.Gmel)Kuntze have floating and submerged leaves.Some submerged aquatic vascular plants have a form of CAM(Crassulacean Acid Metabolism)called Submerged Aquatic Macrophyte(SAM)metabolism.Blue-diode based PAM technology was used to measure the Photosynthetic Oxygen Evolution Rate(POER:1O_(2)≡4e^(-)).Optimum Irradiance(E_(opt)),maximum POER(POER_(max))and quantum efficiency(α_(0))all vary on a diurnal cycle.The shape of the POER vs.E curves is different in seedling,submerged and surface leaves.Both E_(opt) and POER_(max) are very low in seedling leaves(E_(opt)≈104μmol photon m^(-2) s^(-1),PPFD;POER_(max)≈4.95µmol O_(2) g^(-1) Chl a s^(-1)),intermediate in mature submerged leaves(E_(opt)≈419µmol photon m^(-2) s^(-1) PPFD,POER_(max)≈38.1µmol O_(2) g^(-1) Chl a s^(-1))and very high in surface leaves(E_(opt)≈923µmol photon m^(-2) s^(-1) PPFD,POER_(max)≈76.1µmol O_(2) g^(-1) Chl a s^(-1)).Leaf titratable acid(C4 acid pool)is too small(≈20 to 50 mol H+m^(-3))to support substantial SAM metabolism.Gross daily photosynthesis of surface leaves is≈3.71 g C m^(-2) d^(-1) in full sun and as much as 1.4 gC m^(-2) d^(-1) in shaded submerged leaves.There is midday inhibition of photosynthesis.

Synergistic effects of carbon cycle metabolism and photosynthesis in Chinese cabbage under salt stress

Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) has a long cultivation history and is one of the vegetable crops with the largest cultivation area in China. However, salt stress severely damages photosynthesis and hormone metabolism, nutritional balances, and results in ion toxicity in plants. To better understand the mechanisms of salt-induced growth inhibition in Chinese cabbage, RNA-seq and physiological index determination were conducted to explore the impacts of salt stress on carbon cycle metabolism and photosynthesis in Chinese cabbage. Here, we found that the number of thylakoids and grana lamellae and the content of starch granules and chlorophyll in the leaves of Chinese cabbage under salt stress showed a time-dependent response, first increasing and then decreasing. Chinese cabbage increased the transcript levels of genes related to the photosynthetic apparatus and carbon metabolism under salt stress, probably in an attempt to alleviate damage to the photosynthetic system and enhance CO_(2) fixation and energy metabolism. The transcription of genes related to starch and sucrose synthesis and degradation were also enhanced;this might have been an attempt to maintain intracellular osmotic pressure by increasing soluble sugar concentrations. Soluble sugars could also be used as potential reactive oxygen species(ROS) scavengers, in concert with peroxidase(POD)enzymes, to eliminate ROS that accumulate during metabolic processes. Our study characterizes the synergistic response network of carbon metabolism and photosynthesis under salt stress.

Growth,leaf anatomy,and photosynthesis of cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)seedlings in response to four light-emitting diodes and high pressure sodium lamp

Background Light is a critical factor in plant growth and development,particularly in controlled environments.Light-emitting diodes(LEDs)have become a reliable alternative to conventional high pressure sodium(HSP)lamps because they are more efficient and versatile in light sources.In contrast to well-known specialized LED light spectra for vegetables,the appropriate LED lights for crops such as cotton remain unknown.Results In this growth chamber study,we selected and compared four LED lights with varying percentages(26.44%–68.68%)of red light(R,600–700 nm),combined with other lights,for their effects on growth,leaf anatomy,and photosynthesis of cotton seedlings,using HSP lamp as a control.The total photosynthetic photon flux density(PPFD)was(215±2)μmol·m-2·s-1 for all LEDs and HSP lamp.The results showed significant differences in all tested parameters among lights,and the percentage of far red(FR,701–780 nm)within the range of 3.03%–11.86%was positively correlated with plant growth(characterized by leaf number and area,plant height,stem diameter,and total biomass),palisade layer thickness,photosynthesis rate(Pn),and stomatal conductance(Gs).The ratio of R/FR(4.445–11.497)negatively influenced the growth of cotton seedlings,and blue light(B)suppressed stem elongation but increased palisade cell length,chlorophyll content,and Pn.Conclusion The LED 2 was superior to other LED lights and HSP lamp.It had the highest ratio of FR within the total PPFD(11.86%)and the lowest ratio of R/FR(4.445).LED 2 may therefore be used to replace HPS lamp under controlled environments for the study of cotton at the seedling stage.

Effects of potassium deficiency on photosynthesis,chloroplast ultrastructure,ROS,and antioxidant activities in maize(Zea mays L.)

Potassium(K)deficiency significantly decreases photosynthesis due to leaf chlorosis induced by accumulation of reactive oxygen species(ROS).But,the physiological mechanism for adjusting antioxidative defense system to protect leaf function in maize(Zea mays L.)is unknown.In the present study,four maize inbred lines(K-tolerant,90-21-3 and 099;K-sensitive,D937 and 835)were used to analyze leaf photosynthesis,anatomical structure,chloroplast ultrastructure,ROS,and antioxidant activities.The results showed that the chlorophyll content,net photosynthetic rate(P_n),stomatal conductance(G_s),photochemical quenching(q_P),and electron transport rate of PSII(ETR)in 90-21-3 and 099 were higher than those in D937 and 835 under K deficiency treatment.Parameters of leaf anatomical structure in D937 that were significantly changed under K deficiency treatment include smaller thickness of leaf,lower epidermis cells,and vascular bundle area,whereas the vascular bundle area,xylem vessel number,and area in 90-21-3 were significantly larger or higher.D937 also had seriously damaged chloroplasts and PSII reaction centers along with increased superoxide anion(O_2^-·)and hydrogen peroxide(H_2O_2).Activities of antioxidants,like superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),and ascorbate peroxidase(APX),were significantly stimulated in 90-21-3 resulting in lower levels of O_2^-·and H_2O_2.These results indicated that the K-tolerant maize promoted antioxidant enzyme activities to maintain ROS homeostasis and suffered less oxidative damage on the photosynthetic apparatus,thereby maintaining regular photosynthesis under K deficiency stress.

Double-stranded DNA-nucleic acid dye complex-sensitized biocatalytic photosynthesis:Base pairing-switched regeneration of nicotinamide cofactor

Photo-biocatalysis,the combination of photosensitization and biocatalysis,is an emerging solution for sunlight-based renewable energy.It is thus important to develop light antennas with both good light har-vesting and efficient electron transfer.Herein,the intriguing electrical conductivity of dsDNA and its host effect(for nucleic acid dyes to harvest light)were explored simultaneously to develop a dsDNA-based light antenna for photo-biocatalysis.With SYBR Green I(SG)as the example of the nucleic acid dye,the proposed SG-dsDNA system was found to be capable for visible-light-driven reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NADH)regeneration,and the turnover frequency of which(1.35 min^(-1))exceeded most of the existing photocatalytic systems.Since SG can only be hosted by dsDNA,meanwhile dsDNA can be formed through hybridization between single strand DNA and its complementary strand,the pro-posed system adds an extra control of the photocatalytic activity(DNA base pairing-based switch).When integrating the SG-dsDNA system with NADH-dependent horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase(HLADH),successful synthesis of 2-phenylpropanol(a crucial intermediates of profens manufacturing)was achieved.

Fruit Photosynthesis and Assimilate Translocation and Partitioning: Their Characteristics and Role in Sugar Accumulation in Developing Citrus unshiu Fruit

Dynamics of dry- or fresh-weight of fruit, peel photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content, and the characteristics of translocation and distribution of radiolabelled assimilates from leaf or fruit were examined in developing satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc. cv. Miyagawa wase) fruit from primary stage of fruit enlargement up to fruit full ripe. Change in fruit photosynthetic rate was some what related to the change in the chlorophyll content of peel. Fruit photosynthetic rate markedly declined as chlorophyll degradation occurred in the peel. Before full ripe stage of the fruit, photosynthates produced by a 14C-fed leaf were mainly distributed to juice sacs even during periods when dry matter accumulation in peel was more rapid than that in juice sacs. At the full ripe stage, peel photosynthetic rate approached zero and peel became the major sink of leaf photosynthates. Most of the peel assimilates, however, remained in situ for up to 48 h after feeding 14CO 2 to the fruit, only a small portion being transported to other parts of fruit. The percentage of fruit photosynthates exported decreased with fruit development and ripening, but the peak rate of export to juice sacs amount to as high as 12%. The sugar content and dry weights of peel and juice sacs in shaded fruit were lower than that in the control fruit. These results show that peel assimilate was mainly consumed in peel respiration and growth and thus the dependence on leaf photosynthates decreased. Part of this assimiate was used in sugar accumulation in juice sacs of fruit.

A Comparative Study on Photosynthesis and Water Use Efficiency Between Clonal and Non_clonal Plant Species Along the Northeast China Transect (NECT)

Net photosynthesis ( P n ), transpiration ( E ), stomatal conductance ( g s) and water use efficiency (WUE) of more than 218 species belonging to two different reproductive functional types, i.e. clonal (115 species) and non_clonal species (103 species), along the 1 670 km Northeast China Transect (NECT) were analyzed. The results showed that P n and WUE appeared to be lower in the east and west ends of NECT, with peaks in the middle. Transpiration was found to be higher in the west end, where most temperate desert species were distributed. On the same site, most clonal species showed higher P n and related physiological variables than non_clonal species. For different growth forms over NECT, e.g. forest trees, shrubs and grasses, meadow steppe shrubs and grasses, typical steppe shrubs and grasses, the meadow steppe and typical steppe grasses, showed higher values of physiological variables than the forest or the desert species. But for the two reproductive plant functional types (PFTs), clonal species had higher physiological variables, with averages of 22%, 15%, 23% and 14% higher than the non_clonal ones for P n , E, g s, and WUE, respectively. Such differences indicated that clonal species might have advantages over non_clonal species in utilizing environmental resources such as light, CO 2, and especially water.

Effects of Elevated CO 2 and High Temperature on Single Leaf and Canopy Photosynthesis of Rice

The increase of atmospheric CO 2 concentration is indisputable. In such condition, photosynthetic response of leaf is relatively well studied, while the comparison of that between single leaf and whole canopy is less emphasized. The stimulation of elevated CO 2 on canopy photosynthesis may be different from that on single leaf level. In this study, leaf and canopy photosynthesis of rice (Oryza sativa L.) were studied throughout the growing season. High CO 2 and temperature had a synergetic stimulation on single leaf photosynthetic rate until grain filling. Photosynthesis of leaf was stimulated by high CO 2, although the stimulation was decreased by higher temperature at grain filling stage. On the other hand, the simulation of elevated CO 2 on canopy photosynthesis leveled off with time. Stimulation at canopy level disappeared by grain filling stage in both temperature treatments. Green leaf area index was not significantly affected by CO 2 at maturity, but greater in plants grown at higher temperature. Leaf nitrogen content decreased with the increase of CO 2 concentration although it was not statistically significant at maturity. Canopy respiration rate increased at flowering stage indicating higher carbon loss. Shading effect caused by leaf development reached maximum at flowering stage. The CO 2 stimulation on photosynthesis was greater in single leaf than in canopy. Since enhanced CO 2 significantly increased biomass of rice stems and panicles, increase in canopy respiration caused diminishment of CO 2 stimulation in canopy net photosynthesis. Leaf nitrogen in the canopy level decreased with CO 2 concentration and may eventually hasten CO 2 stimulation on canopy photosynthesis. Early senescence of canopy leaves in high CO 2 is also a possible cause.

Interspecific Transition Among Caragana microphylla, C. davazamcii and C. korshinskii Along Geographic Gradient. Ⅱ. Characteristics of Photosynthesis and Water Metabolism

The characteristics of photosynthesis and water metabolism of Caragana microphylla Lam.,C. davazamcii Sancz. and C. korshinskii Kom. populations in different sites (117.6o-105.7o E, 44.6o-38.8o N)were studied. (1) From the east to the west, the responses of the three species to photosyntheticallyavailable radiation (PAR) in net photosynthesis rate increased, the relative humidity of the air whichcorresponded to the occurrence of maximum photosynthesis rate decreased, and the corresponding airtemperature increased. Along the same gradient, the before-noon superiority of the photosynthesis be-came evident, and the photosynthesis rate and the light use efficiency (LUE ) increased, while the transp-iration rate decreased, thus the water use efficiency (WUE ) increased notably, and the leaf water contentdecreased gradually. From the east to the west, the plants took a water-saving strategy step by step withhigher photosynthesis rate and lower transpiration rate. These physiological changes in the plants wereadaptable to the conditions of light, temperature and humidity in the habitat of the plants, and might be thebiological foundation for the geographical transition among C. microphylla , C. davazamcii and C. korshinskii.(2) The adaptation of photosynthetic system of C. microphylla , C. davazamcii and C. korshinskii to PAR, airhumidity and temperature exhibited the interspecific continuity, which was consistent with theenvironmental gradient. In different species and different sites, the diurnal changes of net photosynthesisrate, the daily cumulative value of net photosynthesis, the diurnal changes of transpiration rate, the dailycumulative value of transpiration, the water use efficiency and the diurnal changes of leaf water contentvaried with longitudinal descent (from the east to the west). The characteristics of photosynthesis andwater metabolism indicated that the geographical transition among C. microphylla , C. davazamcii and C.korshinskii was in gradual change, and these three species formed a geographical cline.

Photosynthesis of Resurrection Angiosperms

Resurrection plants which are able to quickly reactivate after falling into a period of anabiosis caused by dehydration have been very rare among angiosperms, especially among dicotyledons whose chlorophyll content and chloroplast structure little changed in the course of desiccation, therefore has been called homoiochlorophyllous desiccation-tolerant plants (HDTs). Another type of resurrection angiosperms that lost its chlorophyll dining desiccation is called poikilochlorophyllous desiccation-tolerant plants (PDTs). HDTs have been received more attention because of simplicity of protection mechanism which is much easy to the study and utilization of the desiccation tolerance of resurrection angiosperms. Recent advances in studies of photosynthesis of resurrection angiosperms indicate that photochemical activities are sensitive indicators for the study of physiological state of resurrection angiosperms during desiccation and rehydration. Photochemical activities of resurrection angiosperms are inhibited with loss of water similar to those of general plants, however, the magic thing is that they could reactivate rapidly during rehydration even losing more than 95% water. Up-regulations in xanthophyll cycle and antioxidative systems as well as preservation in integrity and stability of photosynthetic membranes during desiccation may be very important to desiccation tolerance of resurrection angiosperms. The fact that phosphate treatment in rehydration stage also strongly influences resurrection indicated importance of studies on rehydration stages of resurrection angiosperms.

Photosynthesis and metabolite responses of Isatis indigotica Fortune to elevated [CO2]

Climate change is affecting global crop productivity, food quality, and security. However,few studies have addressed the mechanism by which elevated CO_2 may affect the growth of medicinal plants. Isatis indigotica Fortune is a widely used Chinese medicinal herb with multiple pharmacological properties. To investigate the physiological mechanism of I.indigotica response to elevated [CO_2], plants were grown at either ambient [CO_2](385 μmol mol^(-1)) or elevated [CO_2] (590 μmol mol^(-1)) in an open-top chamber (OTC)experimental facility in North China. A significant reduction in transpiration rate (T_r) and stomatal conductance (g_s) and a large increase in water-use efficiency contributed to an increase in net photosynthetic rate (Pn) under elevated [CO_2] 76 days after sowing. Leaf non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) was decreased, so that more energy was used in effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Φ_(PSⅡ)) under elevated [CO_2]. High ΦPSII,meaning high electron transfer efficiency, also increased Pn. The [CO_2]-induced increase in photosynthesis significantly increased biomass by 36.8%. Amounts of metabolic compounds involved in sucrose metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, and other processes in leaves were reduced under elevated [CO_2]. These results showed that the fertilization effect of elevated [CO_2] is conducive to increasing dry weight but not secondary metabolism in I. indigotica.