Exploring the optimum nitrogen partitioning to predict the acclimation of C3 leaf photosynthesis to varying growth conditions.

ABSTRACT: The distribution of leaf nitrogen among photosynthetic proteins (i.e. chlorophyll, the electron transport system, Rubisco, and other soluble proteins) responds to environmental changes. We hypothesize that this response may underlie the biochemical aspect of leaf acclimation to the growth environment, and describe an analytical method to solve optimum nitrogen partitioning for maximized photosynthesis in C3 leaves. The method predicts a high investment of nitrogen in Rubisco under conditions leading to excessive energy supply relative to metabolic demand (e.g. low temperature, high light, low nitrogen, or low CO2). Conversely, more nitrogen is invested in chlorophyll when the energy supply is limiting. Overall, our optimization results are qualitatively consistent with literature reports.

SUBMITTER: Yin X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6519419 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature