Quantum yield variation across the three pathways of photosynthesis: not yet out of the dark
2008
Skillman, John B.
The convergent quantum yield hypothesis (CQY) assumes that thermodynamics and natural selection jointly limit variation in the maximum energetic efficiency of photosynthesis in low light under otherwise specified conditions (e.g. temperature and CO₂ concentration). A literature survey of photosynthetic quantum yield ({phi}) studies in terrestrial plants from C₃, C₄, and CAM photosynthetic types was conducted to test the CQY hypothesis. Broad variation in {phi} values from C₃ plants could partially be explained by accounting for whether the measuring conditions were permissive or restrictive for photorespiration. Assimilatory quotients (AQ), calculated from the CO₂ {phi}:O₂ {phi} ratios, indicated that 49% and 29% of absorbed light energy was allocated to carbon fixation and photorespiration in C₃ plants, respectively. The unexplained remainder (22%) may represent diversion to various other energy-demanding processes (e.g. starch synthesis, nitrogen assimilation). Individual and cumulative effects of these other processes on photosynthetic efficiency are poorly quantified. In C₄ plants, little variation in {phi} values was observed, consistent with the fact that C₄ plants exhibit little photorespiration. As before, AQ values indicate that 22% of absorbed light energy cannot be accounted for by carbon fixation in C₄ plants. Among all three photosynthetic types, the {phi} of photosynthesis in CAM plants is the least studied, appears to be highly variable, and may present the greatest challenge to the CQY hypothesis. The high amount of energy diverted to processes other than carbon fixation in C₃ and C₄ plants and the poor characterization of photosynthetic efficiency in CAM plants are significant deficiencies in our otherwise robust understanding of the energetics of terrestrial photoautotrophy.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by National Agricultural Library