Abstract

We investigated the effects of increased atmospheric CO 2 on the biomass, photosynthesis, protein and phenolic concentrations and content of Plantago maritima and Armeria maritima. This enabled us to test the protein competition model (PCM) for predicting C allocation to phenolics. Three contrasting responses to elevated CO 2 (600 μmol CO 2 mol −1) between the two study species were observed. (1) In P. maritima, plant biomass increased and the maximum carboxylation rate of Rubisco ( V c,max ) was decreased. However, in A. maritima, shoot biomass decreased and the V c,max of Rubisco was unchanged. (2) The total phenolic content increased in P. maritima but decreased in A. maritima. (3) Protein concentrations and content decreased in P. maritima and root protein concentrations and content increased in A. maritima. We conclude that C and N allocation to phenolics and proteins is species- and organ-specific and the PCM predictions were correct when phenolics and proteins were expressed on a per plant content basis.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.