An open gas-exchange system for the simultaneous measurement of the CO2 and 14CO2 fluxes from leaves

Abstract

An open gas exchange system that uses an infrared gas analyzer and an ionization chamber to measure CO2 and 14CO2 is described. The system will continuously measure the CO2 and 14CO2 exchange from a leaf within 30 s after the 14CO2 gas mixture is supplied to the leaf. Measurements are obtained under steady rate conditions since the 14CO2 gas mixture is supplied at a constant composition from pressurized cylinders. Methods of determining true photosynthesis, apparent photosynthesis, CO2 evolution, and the specific activity of the 14CO2 evolved are clearly described. The rate of CO2 evolution in the light was not affected by the CO2 concentration and the evolved CO2 was derived from the early products of photosynthesis.