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Allocation of nitrogen to cell walls decreases photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency
Article first published online: 14 MAY 2004
DOI: 10.1111/j.0269-8463.2004.00847.x
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How to Cite
ONODA, Y., HIKOSAKA, K. and HIROSE, T. (2004), Allocation of nitrogen to cell walls decreases photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency. Functional Ecology, 18: 419–425. doi: 10.1111/j.0269-8463.2004.00847.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 14 MAY 2004
- Article first published online: 14 MAY 2004
- Received 15 September 2003; revised 14 December 2003; accepted 29 December 2003
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Keywords:
- cell-wall proteins;
- germination time;
- leaf life span;
- nitrogen allocation;
- ribulose-1;
- 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase
Summary
- 1Nitrogen (N) is an essential limiting resource for plant growth, and its efficient use may increase fitness. We investigated photosynthetic N-use efficiency (photosynthetic capacity per unit N) in relation to N allocation to Rubisco and to cell walls in Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. which germinated in May (early germinators) and August (late germinators).
- 2There was a significant difference between early and late germinators in photosynthetic capacity as a function of leaf N content per unit area. Higher photosynthetic N-use efficiency in late germinators was caused primarily by a larger allocation of N to Rubisco.
- 3Nitrogen allocation to cell walls was smaller in late germinators. The shorter growth period in late germinators was associated with higher photosynthetic capacity, which was achieved by allocating more N to photosynthetic proteins at the expense of cell walls.
- 4The trade-off between N allocation to photosynthesis and to structural tissues suggests that plants change N allocation to increase either the rate or duration of carbon assimilation. Such plastic change would help plants maintain themselves and cope with environmental changes.