Leaf Structural Properties that Influence Photosynthesis: Interactions Between Gradients of Light, CO2, and Photosynthetic Capacity

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Photosynthesis os the process whereby plants convert solar energy into chemical energy. This process supports all life on this planet. A detailed knowledge of how photosynthesis occurs in leaves is necessary for understanding solar energy conversion in land plants. The project "Leaf Structural Properties that Influence Photosynthesis: Interactions Between gradients of light, CO2, and Photosynthetic Capacity" will examine how leaf anatomy is related to the photosynthetic performance of the whole leaf. The overall goal is to examine the mechanisms that lead to optimization of photosynthetic performance in different types of plants. Species have been selected that have specific leaf anatomical features and we plan to make correlations between leaf anatomy, penetration of light into the leaf, and internal gradients in carbon dioxide concentration. Internal concentrations of both light and CO2 must be optimized for maximum photosynthetic performance of the whole leaf. Experimental results should allow us to establish a baseline for a more mechanistic understanding of why some plants are more productive than others. Microscopy, CO2 exchange measurements and a new fiber optic microprobe technique will be used to accomplish the objectives of this project. The resulting information may be applied to problems that relate to understanding the physiological basis for plant productivity and increasing crop yield, and how plants may respond to global climate change resulting from increases in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases.