Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol. 53, No. 373, pp. 1475-1483,
June 2002
© 2002 Oxford University Press
Original Papers |
High light-induced switch from C3-photosynthesis to Crassulacean acid metabolism is mediated by UV-A/blue light
1 GSF-National Research Center for Environment and Health, Institute of Soil Ecology, Department of Environmental Engineering, Ingolstädter Landstraße, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
2 Forest Botany, Department of Ecology, Technische Universität München, Am Hochanger 13, D-85354 Freising, Germany
3 Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, Institut für Meteorologie und Klimaforschung, Bereich Atmosphärische Umweltforschung, Kreuzeckbahnstraße 19, D-82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Received 10 September 2001; Accepted 27 January 2002
| Abstract |
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The high light-induced switch in Clusia minor from C3-photosynthesis to Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is fast (within a few days) and reversible. Although this C3/CAM transition has been studied intensively, the nature of the photoreceptor at the beginning of the CAM-induction signal chain is still unknown. Using optical filters that only transmit selected wavelengths, the CAM light induction of single leaves was tested. As controls the opposite leaf of the same leaf pair was studied in which CAM was induced by high unfiltered radiation (c. 2100 µmol m-2 s-1). To evaluate the C3-photosynthesis/CAM transition, nocturnal CO2 uptake, daytime stomatal closure and organic acid levels were monitored. Light at wavelengths longer than 530 nm was not effective for the induction of the C3/CAM switch in C. minor. In this case CAM was present in the control leaf while the opposite leaf continued performing C3-photosynthesis, indicating that CAM induction triggered by high light conditions is wavelength-dependent and a leaf internal process. Leaves subjected to wavelengths in the range of 345530 nm performed nocturnal CO2 uptake, (partial) stomatal closure during the day (CAM-phase III), and decarboxylation of citric acid within the first 2 d after the switch to high light conditions. Based on these experiments and evidence from the literature, it is suggested that a UV-A/blue light receptor mediates the light-induced C3-photosynthesis/CAM switch in C. minor.
Key words: Citrate decarboxylation, Clusia minor, C3-photosynthesis/CAM switch, spectral irradiance, UV-A/blue light receptor.
| Introduction |
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Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is a typical ecophysiological adaptation of plants to arid conditions. Its characteristics are nocturnal CO2-uptake via the enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase, CAM-phase I sensu Osmond, 1978
Several plant species are able to switch from the more common mode of photosynthesis (C3) to CAM, either during their ontogenetic development (e.g. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum; Adams et al., 1998
) or in response to particular environmental conditions (e.g. drought). Within the tropical tree genus Clusia the phenomenon of facultative CAM is widespread and manifold (Lüttge, 1999
). The highly flexible species C. minor has proved to be a useful model plant for the study of CAM induction because the C3/CAM-switch is fast (within 1 d), reversible, and can be studied reliably by gas exchange measurements and analysis of accumulated organic acids. Several environmental stresses such as water shortage (Franco et al., 1991
, 1992
; Borland et al., 1996
, 1998
; Grams et al., 1997
b, 1998
), high irradiance, day/night temperatures (Haag-Kerwer et al., 1992
; Borland et al., 1993; Grams et al. 1997
a; Roberts et al., 1998
; Herzog et al., 1999
) and nitrogen supply (Franco et al., 1991
) have been shown to be effective at inducing the C3/CAM transition. Although in C. minor the exposure to high irradiance is one of the most intensively studied CAM-inducing factors, to date the nature of the initial photoreceptor sensing the high radiation has remained unclear.
Plants employ a series of photoreceptors, absorbing in different regions of the solar spectrum. The energy absorbed by a photoreceptor starts a cascade of physiological processes that enables plants to monitor magnitude (quantity) and wavelength distribution (quality) of the radiation environment (photosensing). For example, in the facultative CAM plant Kalanchoë blossfeldiana, CAM is induced by short days via red-light controlled synthesis of PEPCase mediated through the phytochrome system (Brulfert et al., 1982
, 1988
). Other possible photoreceptors or signalling pigments are chlorophyll (light harvesting for photosynthesis) and the blue light receptor (cryptochrome). The latter is known as a photoreceptor, for example, for phototropism, stomatal aperture and entrainment of endogenous rhythms in plants and animals (Baskin and Iino, 1987
; Batschauer, 1998
; Christie et al., 1998
; Cashmore et al., 1999
).
The aim of the present study was to determine which of these photosensitive pigments elicits the high light (here photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) of c. 2000 µmol m-2 s-1) induced C3/CAM transition in C. minor. To answer this question, the spectral range of the radiation applied to the leaves was manipulated using optical filters. The gas exchange patterns and organic acid accumulation was then studied in response to the light manipulations as a reliable way to monitor the CAM induction. Schmitt et al. showed in a rewatering experiment that C. minor is able to perform CAM in one leaf and C3-photosynthesis in the opposite leaf of the same leaf pair (Schmitt et al., 1988
). This encouraged the use of one leaf as a control where the leaf was switched from C3-photosynthesis to CAM using high light conditions, while the opposite leaf was tested by selecting wavelengths and monitoring leaf responsiveness with respect to CAM induction.
| Materials and methods |
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Spectroradiometric measurements
Spectral data were recorded with a spectroradiometer system which consists of a double-monochromator, a photomultiplier, electronic devices (high voltage supply, amplifier and ADC), and an entrance optic (quartz fibre with a quartz diffuser plate; for details see Thiel et al., 1996
The spectral irradiance of the light source used was monitored at the distance of the halogen lamp to the upper leaf surface during the experiments. Two sets of experiments were performed (see below: experimental design) using first UG11, OG550 (Schott, Mainz, Germany) and LCLS-550 filters (Laser Components, Olching, Germany, see Fig. 1a
for spectral transmittance) and, second, a series of long pass filters (WG345, GG395, GG400, GG455, OG530, OG550, all from Schott, Mainz, Germany, see Fig. 1b
for spectral transmittance).
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Plants
Clusia minor L. plants were derived from cuttings from four individuals, all belonging to one clone, which originated from a plant that was collected in the Sierra de San Luis, Venezuela (Popp et al., 1987
). This clone is well characterized in at least 15 publications and was therefore chosen for this study. Cuttings were grown in standard soil (Fruhsdorfer Einheitserde LD80) in a glasshouse, kept well watered and were fertilized regularly (using a 1:1 mixture of Hakaphos green and Hakaphos blue, Campo, Münster, Germany). At the age of 3 months, plants were acclimated for 36 months in a programmed climate chamber to low irradiance (12/12 h day/night at c. 120 µmol m-2 s-1), constant temperature of 25 °C and relative humidity of 50%. The experimental plants were at least 6-months-old and had three to four new leaf pairs which developed under the low light conditions in the climate chamber. The first or second fully developed leaf pair was chosen for the experiments in which plants were kept well watered.
Experimental set-up and assessment of leaf gas exchange
Gas exchange of individual leaves was assessed using a minicuvette system (Fa. Walz, Effeltrich, Germany) with two climate- and light-controlled Plexiglas chambers (volume: 0.7 l) each enclosing one leaf of the same leaf pair. Measurements were performed under standardized conditions (cuvette temperature of 25.0±0.1 °C and dew point of 12.0±0.1 °C). Due to the effective climate control of the minicuvette system the increase of leaf temperature after the switch to high irradiance was small (2.4±1.5 °C) and similar for control and treatment leaves. Hence, the increase of vapour pressure deficit (VPD) with increasing irradiance was small. However, in C. minor, VPD is not effective for the C3/CAM transition (Herzog, 1994
). The rates of leaf gas exchange were calculated according to von Caemmerer and Farquhar (von Caemmerer and Farquhar, 1981
).
As a light source, halogen lamps were used (Master Line, 20W, type no. 17717, Philips, The Netherlands), which were selected for similar spectral distributions (Fig. 2
). Each lamp was mounted in a light unit at a distance of 15 cm to the leaf. Slots allowed the installation of optical filters between lamp and leaf. To avoid external light the Plexiglas chambers were covered with aluminium foil.
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One leaf was switched from C3-photosynthesis to CAM by high light (control leaf), while the opposite leaf of the same leaf pair was used for the induction manipulations using selected wavelengths. This treatment leaf was measured for its responsiveness to the light manipulation and light-induced C3/CAM switch. The use of optical filters reduce the spectral irradiance within the experimental wavelength range (transmittance below 1.0, see Fig. 1
Organic acid analyses
Leaves were sampled at the end of each experiment (end of light phase) and stored at -75 °C. After drying of the leaf samples in a microwave oven (Popp et al., 1996
), malate and citrate were determined enzymatically in hot water extracts of the dried leaf material according to Möllering (Möllering, 1974
, 1985
). The titratable Clusia leaf acidity at dusk is known to be negatively correlated with the CAM capacity (Zotz and Winter, 1993
). Therefore, differences between control and treatment leaves at dusk were used to evaluate the CAM induction: CAM is not (or to a lesser extent) expressed in the treatment leaf, if its organic acid concentration is higher than in the control leaf.
Statistics
Significant levels were tested by means of Student's t-test.
Experimental design
The aim of a first set of experiments was to contain the spectral range of the effective radiation. Figure 3
outlines the experimental scheme that was followed. Each experiment is represented by a box that gives the filter used and a number indicating whether the C3/CAM switch occurs (1) or not (0). In the first experiment the UG11 filter tested the effectiveness of radiation from the ultraviolet part of the spectrum and radiation above 670 nm, while most of the photosynthetically active radiation was blocked. If the radiation that passed through the UG11 filter was effective for the C3/CAM switch (denoted as 1 in Fig. 3
), an additional experiment with a filter that transmits only radiation above 550 nm would be necessary to decide which of both possible receptors (phytochrome or UV-B receptor) was responsible for the CAM induction. If, on the other hand, the UG11 filter blocked the effective radiation (i.e. no CAM switch, denoted as 0) further experiments would be needed as shown in the right branch of Fig. 3
: first, a filter which mainly transmits radiation between 400 nm and 550 nm (<550 nm) and, secondly, a filter which only transmits radiation above 550 nm can be used to detect the involved photoreceptor.
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In a second set of experiments several cut-off filters (see Fig. 1b
| Results |
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Representative results of the first set of experiments are shown in Fig. 4
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The second set of experiments is shown in Fig. 5
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The results presented above (Figs 4
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At the end of the experiments (end of light phase) leaves of the gas-exchange measurements were harvested and analysed for organic acid levels (Fig. 6
| Discussion |
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Most of the Clusia species studied so far are facultative CAM plants, in which CAM is induced by various environmental factors like drought, increased daytime temperature or increased irradiance (Grams et al., 1998
Obviously, CAM induction caused by high irradiance requires the attainment of a certain threshold value, which can be estimated from a biologically weighted radiation quantity as follows:
| (001) |
High irradiance in the range of 345530 nm induces nocturnal CO2 uptake and/or (partial) daytime stomatal closure (phase III of CAM, sensu Osmond, 1978
; see Table 1
; Figs 4
, 5
) as well as decarboxylation of citric acids (Fig. 6
). Concentrations of malate at the end of the light phase stayed low (2.1±1.8 mmol m-2, data not shown), since nocturnally accumulated malate will be broken down completely during the day. However, these experiments monitored only the beginning of the C3/CAM transition, which will result, if environmental conditions remain unchanged, in a higher nocturnal CO2 uptake and organic acid (malate and citrate) turnover. Similar findings have been reported previously (Herzog et al., 1999
) which showed that in C. minor diurnal malate oscillations are not present during the first day under high irradiance (i.e. an increase from 100 to 1000 µmol m-2 s-1), while citrate breakdown had already started (cf. Fig. 6
). Likewise, a much closer correlation was found between PPFD and citrate breakdown than malate breakdown during the first days of CAM induction in C. minor and it was concluded that light-induced CAM starts with daytime citrate breakdown (Borland et al., 1996
). Thus, following the concept of a limited vacuole storage capacity for H+, only daytime citrate breakdown and, thus, a reduced titratable leaf acidity at dusk allows nocturnal CO2 uptake (Zotz and Winter, 1993
). These findings were confirmed and the citrate concentrations were used to confirm CAM-induction and to evaluate the effective wavelengths for the high light-induced C3/CAM switch (Fig. 6
).
The direct impact of blue light on stomatal aperture, as shown for many C3 plants (Briggs and Huala, 1999
), seems to be unlikely if CAM is present. Several studies (Lee and Assmann, 1992
; Mawson and Zaugg, 1994
; Tallman et al., 1997
) report that this stomatal blue-light response is either lost or inhibited in C3/CAM intermediate plants after the transition to CAM. Rather, the signal transduction pathway of blue light-mediated CAM induction in C. minor might be similar to the short-day CAM induction in K. blossfeldiana, where red light is sensed by the phytochrome system and CAM is induced via de novo synthesis of PEPCase (or phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase; Brulfert et al., 1985
, 1988
).
In the habitats of C. minor, increases of irradiance (and simultaneous water shortage) are relatively frequent (e.g. due to leaf senescence of the surrounding vegetation during drought periods). Switching from C3-photosynthesis to CAM is an important and useful mechanism to cope with excess radiation energy (Herzog et al., 1999
; Lüttge, 1999
, 2000
). Therefore, the sensing of high irradiance via UV-A blue light and the subsequent switch to CAM gives C. minor a larger ecological amplitude and, in general, a better performance under highly variable radiation conditions.
| Acknowledgments |
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The authors are grateful to Dr H-D Payer, Dr HK Seidlitz and the staff of the EPOKA team at the GSF-National Research Center for Environment and Health for technical assistance and the opportunity to perform this study in the EPOKA phytotrons. Dr R Matyssek and Dr TE Dawson are thanked for valuable comments on an earlier version of the manuscript.
| Notes |
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4 Present address: Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, 3060 Valley Life Science Building, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
5 To whom correspondence should be sent at: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, Institut für Meteorologie und Klimaforschung, Bereich Atmosphärische Umweltforschung, Kreuzeckbahnstraße 19, D-82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. Fax: +49 8821 183 295. E-mail: stephan.thiel{at}imk.fzk.de ![]()
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