CARBON - TERRESTRIAL C4 PLANTS

The carbon isotope composition of terrestrial C4 plants depends on the primary carboxylation of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and on the diffusion Of CO2 to the carboxylation sites, but is also influenced by the final carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP). Several models have been used for reproducing this complex situation. In the present review, a particular model is applied as a means to interpret the effects of environmental and genetically determined factors on carbon isotope discrimination during C4 photosynthesis. As a new feature, the model considers four types of limitation of the overall CO2 assimilation rate. Both carboxylation reactions are assumed to be limited by either maximum enzyme activity or maximum substrate regeneration rate. The model is applied to experimental data on the effects of CO2, irradiance and water stress on short-term discrimination by leaves of several C4 species measured simultaneously with CO2 gas exchange characteristics. In particular, different patterns of the influence of low irradiances on carbon isotope discrimination are interpreted as due to variations in that irradiance at which a transition from limitation by PEP regeneration rate and RuBP carboxylase activity to limitation by the regeneration rates of both substrates occurs. After discussing literature data on the effects of environmental conditions on carbon isotope discrimination by C4 plants seasonal and developmental changes in carbon isotope composition, studies on the systematic and geographic distribution of C4 plants, evolutionary and genetical aspects, and some ecological implications are reviewed.