C3 Photosynthesis and Crassulacean Acid Metabolism in a Kansas Rock Outcrop Succulent, Talinum calycinum Engelm. (Portulacaceae)
Issue Date
1983Author
Martin, Craig E.
Zee, Aaron Klaas
Publisher
American Society of Plant Biologists
Type
Article
Published Version
http://www.plantphysiol.org/content/73/3/718.full.pdf+htmlMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The potential for Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) was investigated
in the sandstone outcrop succulent Talinum calycinum in central
Kansas. Field studies revealed CAM-Iike diurnal acid fluctuations in
these plants. These fluctuations persisted under all moisture and temperature
regimes in the laboratory. Despite this CAM-Iike acid metabolism,
simultaneous gravimetric determinations of day- and nighttime transpiration
rates indicated the presence of a d gas exchange pattern. Subsequent
analyses of diurnal CO; and H2O exchange patterns under wellwatered
conditions and after 3, 5, and 7 days of drought confirmed these
findings, though low rates of nocturnal CO, uptake were observed on the
fifth night after continuous drought. Finally, the 6 I 3 C / "C value of this
succulent, - 27.8%c, emphasizes the insignificance of any nocturnal CO..
uptake in the lifelong accumulation of carbon in this species. Thus, it is
proposed that T. calycinum is a ( \ plant with some C AM characteristics,
including the ability to re-fix respiratory COj at night under all moisture
regimes, potentially resulting in a conservation of carbon, and occasionally
to fix atmospheric CO. at night. These findings may prove to be
common among rock outcrop succulents.
Description
This is the publisher's official version, also available electronically from: http://www.plantphysiol.org/content/73/3/718.full.pdf+html.
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Citation
Martin, C.E. and A.K. Zee. 1983. C3 photosynthesis and Crassulacean acid metabolism in a Kansas rock outcrop succulent, Talinum calycinum Engelm. (Portulacaceae). Plant Physiol. 73: 718-723.
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