Yusuke Mizokami1, Riichi Oguchi2, Daisuke Sugiura3, Wataru Yamori4, Ko Noguchi1, Ichiro Terashima2. 1. Department of Life Science, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan. 2. Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan. 3. Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan. 4. Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Science, Institute for Sustainable Agri-ecosystem, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Midoricho, Nishitokyo, Tokyo 188-0002, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Plants invest photosynthates in construction and maintenance of their structures and functions. Such investments are considered costs. These costs are recovered by the CO2 assimilation rate (A) in the leaves, and thus A is regarded as the immediate, short-term benefit. In photosynthesizing leaves, CO2 diffusion from the air to the carboxylation site is hindered by several structural and biochemical barriers. CO2 diffusion from the intercellular air space to the chloroplast stroma is obstructed by the mesophyll resistance. The inverses is the mesophyll conductance (gm). Whether various plants realize an optimal gm, and how much investment is needed for a relevant gm, remain unsolved. SCOPE: This review examines relationships among leaf construction costs (CC), leaf maintenance costs (MC) and gm in various plants under diverse growth conditions. Through a literature survey, we demonstrate a strong linear relationship between leaf mass per area (LMA) and leaf CC. The overall correlation of CC vs. gm across plant phylogenetic groups is weak, but significant trends are evident within specific groups and/or environments. Investment in CC is necessary for an increase in LMA and mesophyll cell surface area (Smes). This allows the leaf to accommodate more chloroplasts, thus increasing A. However, increases in LMA and/or Smes often accompany other changes, such as cell wall thickening, which diminishes gm. Such factors that make the correlations of CC and gm elusive are identified. CONCLUSIONS: For evaluation of the contribution of gm to recover CC, leaf life span is the key factor. The estimation of MC in relation to gm, especially in terms of costs required to regulate aquaporins, could be essential for efficient control of gm over the short term. Over the long term, costs are mainly reflected in CC, while benefits also include ultimate fitness attributes in terms of integrated carbon gain over the life of a leaf, plant survival and reproductive output.
BACKGROUND: Plants invest photosynthates in construction and maintenance of their structures and functions. Such investments are considered costs. These costs are recovered by the CO2 assimilation rate (A) in the leaves, and thus A is regarded as the immediate, short-term benefit. In photosynthesizing leaves, CO2 diffusion from the air to the carboxylation site is hindered by several structural and biochemical barriers. CO2 diffusion from the intercellular air space to the chloroplast stroma is obstructed by the mesophyll resistance. The inverses is the mesophyll conductance (gm). Whether various plants realize an optimal gm, and how much investment is needed for a relevant gm, remain unsolved. SCOPE: This review examines relationships among leaf construction costs (CC), leaf maintenance costs (MC) and gm in various plants under diverse growth conditions. Through a literature survey, we demonstrate a strong linear relationship between leaf mass per area (LMA) and leaf CC. The overall correlation of CC vs. gm across plant phylogenetic groups is weak, but significant trends are evident within specific groups and/or environments. Investment in CC is necessary for an increase in LMA and mesophyll cell surface area (Smes). This allows the leaf to accommodate more chloroplasts, thus increasing A. However, increases in LMA and/or Smes often accompany other changes, such as cell wall thickening, which diminishes gm. Such factors that make the correlations of CC and gm elusive are identified. CONCLUSIONS: For evaluation of the contribution of gm to recover CC, leaf life span is the key factor. The estimation of MC in relation to gm, especially in terms of costs required to regulate aquaporins, could be essential for efficient control of gm over the short term. Over the long term, costs are mainly reflected in CC, while benefits also include ultimate fitness attributes in terms of integrated carbon gain over the life of a leaf, plant survival and reproductive output.
Authors: Beatriz Fernández-Marín; Javier Gulías; Carlos M Figueroa; Concepción Iñiguez; María J Clemente-Moreno; Adriano Nunes-Nesi; Alisdair R Fernie; Lohengrin A Cavieres; León A Bravo; José I García-Plazaola; Jorge Gago Journal: Plant J Date: 2020-02-21 Impact factor: 6.417
Authors: Jennifer M Nagel; Kevin L Griffin; William S F Schuster; David T Tissue; Matthew H Turnbull; Kim J Brown; David Whitehead Journal: Tree Physiol Date: 2002-08 Impact factor: 4.196