Abstract
Effects of pod removal on the photosynthetic rates and their underlying biochemical properties were examined in leaves of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Pod removal led to decreases in the photosynthetic gas-exchange rate, stomatal conductance and intercellular CO2 pressure. However, these decreases in photosynthesis were not associated with changes in the amounts of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) and other several photosynthetic components, but were associated with an increase in starch content. In addition, such a decrease in the photosynthetic rate was not observed when measured with O2 evolution under conditions of saturating CO2. Similarly, although a decrease in CO2-limited photosynthesis for a given Rubisco content was found in depodded plants, neither the specific activity nor activation state of Rubisco decreased. The decrease in the photosynthetic gas-exchange rate by pod removal was recovered by shading the plants. CO2-limited photosynthesis per unit of Rubisco protein was also completely recovered at the same level in the plants with pods. At the same time, starch accumulation was also decreased by shading. From these results, we concluded that the suppression of photosynthesis observed in depodded beans was caused by the hindrance of CO2 diffusion due to starch accumulated in the chloroplast.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 167-173 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Australian Journal of Plant Physiology |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2000 |
Keywords
- Gas-exchange (photosynthesis)
- Phaseolus vulgaris
- Pod removal
- Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase
- Sink-source relation
- Starch accumulation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Agricultural and Biological Sciences(all)