Drought is causing large crop losses in many regions of the world, and climate change threatens to worsen
Crassuloid acid metabolism (also known as CAM photosynthesis) is a carbon fixation pathway that has evolved in some plants as an adaptation to dry climates.
In plants using CAM photosynthesis, stomataon the leaves remain closed during the day to reduce evapotranspiration (in other words, the evaporation of water). However, they open at night to collect carbon dioxide, which allows them to diffuse malate (malic acid) into the mesophyll cells. At night, CO2 is stored in the vacuole as four-carbon malic acid, and during the day it is transported to the chloroplasts, where it is converted back to CO2. This carbon dioxide is then used during photosynthesis. The pre-collected CO2 is concentrated around ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (RubisCO enzyme). It just increases the efficiency of photosynthesis. This mechanism of acid metabolism was first discovered in plants of the Crassulaceae family. The most famous type of Crassula in Russia is the Crassula, which received the nickname “money tree”.
Scientists have used a sophisticated mathematical modeling approach to study the effects of incorporating SAM photosynthesis into various plants.
Lead author Nadine Töpfer, who performed thisworking during her tenure as Ph.D. Marie-Curie with Professor Lee Sweetlowe's group at Oxford, said: “Simulation is a powerful tool for exploring complex systems, and it provides insights that can help in laboratory and field research. I believe our results will serve as an inspiration to researchers who are looking to transfer the water-saving properties of CAM plants to other species. ”
Using high range simulationtemperatures and relative humidity conditions, the study's authors asked: Would CAM photosynthesis or alternative water-saving methods be more productive in environments where crops using C3 photosynthesis are typically grown?
They found that the vacuum capacity of the sheetis the main factor limiting the efficiency of water use during CAM photosynthesis. They also found that environmental conditions shape the various phases of the CAM cycle. Mathematical modeling made it possible to identify an alternative CAM cycle, which includes mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase as a potential factor of initial carbon fixation at night.
Their results showed not only thatThe water-saving potential of CAM photosynthesis is highly dependent on the environment (and the daytime environment is more important than the nighttime). The researchers also noted that alternative metabolic regimens other than the natural CAM cycle may be beneficial under certain conditions. For example, on shorter days with less extreme temperatures. The findings of the scientists will help humanity prepare for growing food crops in increasingly hot and dry climates.
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