Three‐dimensional microscale modelling of CO2 transport and light propagation in tomato leaves enlightens photosynthesis. (28th July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ho, Quang Tri; Berghuijs, Herman N. C.; Watté, Rodrigo; Verboven, Pieter; Herremans, Els; Yin, Xinyou; Retta, Moges A.; Aernouts, Ben; Saeys, Wouter; Helfen, Lukas; Farquhar, Graham D.; Struik, Paul C.; Nicolaï, Bart M.
• Is Part Of: Plant, cell and environment. Volume 39:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 50
• Page End: 61
• Publication Date: 2015-07-28
• Subjects: 3‐D model photon transport -- gas diffusion -- photosynthetic capacity -- synchrotron radiation -- X‐ray computed laminography -- tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.); Plant physiology -- Periodicals; Plant cells and tissues -- Periodicals; Plant communities -- Periodicals; 581.105
• DOI: 10.1111/pce.12590
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-7791

Abstract

Abstract: We present a combined three‐dimensional (3‐D) model of light propagation, CO2 diffusion and photosynthesis in tomato ( S olanum lycopersicum L.) leaves. The model incorporates a geometrical representation of the actual leaf microstructure that we obtained with synchrotron radiation X‐ray laminography, and was evaluated using measurements of gas exchange and leaf optical properties. The combination of the 3‐D microstructure of leaf tissue and chloroplast movement induced by changes in light intensity affects the simulated CO2 transport within the leaf. The model predicts extensive reassimilation of CO2 produced by respiration and photorespiration. Simulations also suggest that carbonic anhydrase could enhance photosynthesis at low CO2 levels but had little impact on photosynthesis at high CO2 levels. The model confirms that scaling of photosynthetic capacity with absorbed light would improve efficiency of CO2 fixation in the leaf, especially at low light intensity. Abstract : We present a comprehensive 3‐D model of light propagation, CO2 diffusion and photosynthesis in tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) leaves. The model incorporates the actual leaf microstructure and opens up new possibilities for in silico approaches to improving insights into leaf carbon uptake and to predicting climatic impacts on crop yield and vegetation.