Stomatal size, speed, and responsiveness impact on photosynthesis and water use efficiency

Lawson, T. and Blatt, M. R. (2014) Stomatal size, speed, and responsiveness impact on photosynthesis and water use efficiency. Plant Physiology, 164(4), pp. 1556-1570. (doi: 10.1104/pp.114.237107)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1104/pp.114.237107

Abstract

The control of gaseous exchange between the leaf and bulk atmosphere by stomata governs CO2 uptake for photosynthesis and transpiration, determining plant productivity and water use efficiency. The balance between these two processes depends on stomatal responses to environmental and internal cues and the synchrony of stomatal behavior relative to mesophyll demands for CO2. Here we examine the rapidity of stomatal responses with attention to their relationship to photosynthetic CO2 uptake and the consequences for water use. We discuss the influence of anatomical characteristics on the velocity of changes in stomatal conductance and explore the potential for manipulating the physical as well as physiological characteristics of stomatal guard cells in order to accelerate stomatal movements in synchrony with mesophyll CO2 demand and to improve water use efficiency without substantial cost to photosynthetic carbon fixation. We conclude that manipulating guard cell transport and metabolism is just as, if not more likely to yield useful benefits as manipulations of their physical and anatomical characteristics. Achieving these benefits should be greatly facilitated by quantitative systems analysis that connects directly the molecular properties of the guard cells to their function in the field.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Blatt, Professor Michael
Authors: Lawson, T., and Blatt, M. R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
Journal Name:Plant Physiology
Publisher:American Society of Plant Biologists
ISSN:0032-0889
ISSN (Online):1532-2548

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