Acclimation of Photosynthesis to Light and Canopy Nitrogen Distribution: an Interpretation

• Published in: Annals of botany Vol. 93; no. 4; pp. 473 - 475
• Main Author: THORNLEY, J. H. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01.04.2004; Oxford Publishing Limited (England)
• Subjects: acclimation; Acclimatization; Acclimatization - physiology; Acclimatization - radiation effects; Ecosystem models; Forest canopy; Irradiance; Key words: Photosynthesis; Leaves; Light; Models, Biological; Nitrogen; Nitrogen - metabolism; Parametric models; Photosynthesis; Photosynthesis - physiology; Photosynthesis - radiation effects; Plant Leaves - physiology; Plant Leaves - radiation effects; Plants; SHORT COMMUNICATION; Short Communications; Time Factors; Vegetation canopies
• ISSN: 0305-7364; 1095-8290
• DOI: 10.1093/aob/mch051

• Background and Aims Acclimation of photosynthesis to light and its connection with canopy nitrogen (N) distribution are considered. An interpretation of a proportionality between light‐saturated photosynthesis and local averaged leaf irradiance is proposed by means of a simple model. • Model The model assumes (a) local irradiance drives synthesis of photosynthetic protein from metabolic N; (b) photosynthetic N is slowly degraded over approx. 5–7 d; (c) metabolic N is equally available through the canopy. • Conclusions The kinetics of acclimation at different light levels may provide a way of parameterizing and testing the model. The model provides a rationale for the proportionality assumption mentioned above, which, while it is consistent with much experimental work, is valuable because it allows canopy photosynthesis to be calculated analytically.