Abstract
Abstract The role of chlorophyll in the mature embryos of several tropical plants (Phthirusa pyrifolia [H.B.K.] Eichl. [Loranthaceae]. Murraya koenigia Kurz. [Rutaceae], Murraya paniculata Jack. [Rutaceae], Syzygium cuminii [L.] Skeels [Myrtaceae]) was investigated. Extracted chloroembryos of all species do photosynthesize when illuminated. Whole mature fruits of M. koeningii, M. paniculata and Syzygium cuminii exhibited some photosynthetic activity, but pericarps of none of the fruits photosynthesized when exposed to light. Thus the photosynthetic activity of fruits may be ascribed to CO2 uptake by chloroembryos embedded in the fruits. A specific aspect of plant physiology, namely the re‐utilization of respired CO2 in the process of photosynthesis is emphasized. It is postulated that within embedded chloroembryos, conditions such as high CO2 concentration, high light intensity, and low oxygen concentration are favourable for conducting intensive photosynthesis. Photosynthesis within enclosed organs has an additional advantage in that is does not expose the plant to any risk of water loss usually associated with photosynthesis.
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