Cell wall thickness and composition are involved in photosynthetic limitation. (29th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Flexas, Jaume; Clemente-Moreno, María J; Bota, Josefina; Brodribb, Tim J; Gago, Jorge; Mizokami, Yusuke; Nadal, Miquel; Perera-Castro, Alicia V; Roig-Oliver, Margalida; Sugiura, Daisuke; Xiong, Dongliang; Carriquí, Marc
• Editors: Manavella, Pablo
• Is Part Of: Journal of experimental botany. Volume 72:Number 11(2021)
• Page Start: 3971
• Page End: 3986
• Publication Date: 2021-03-29
• Subjects: Cell wall composition -- cell wall thickness -- cellulose -- CO2 diffusion -- hemicellulose -- land plants -- leaf anatomy -- mesophyll conductance -- pectin; Botany -- Periodicals; Botany, Experimental -- Periodicals; Plant physiology -- Periodicals; 580
• DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab144
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0957

Abstract

Abstract : We review current knowledge on the effect of cell wall properties, particularly thickness and composition, on mesophyll conductance to CO2 diffusion and photosynthesis in land plants. Abstract: The key role of cell walls in setting mesophyll conductance to CO2 ( g m ) and, consequently, photosynthesis is reviewed. First, the theoretical properties of cell walls that can affect g m are presented. Then, we focus on cell wall thickness ( T cw ) reviewing empirical evidence showing that T cw varies strongly among species and phylogenetic groups in a way that correlates with g m and photosynthesis; that is, the thicker the mesophyll cell walls, the lower the g m and photosynthesis. Potential interplays of g m, T cw, dehydration tolerance, and hydraulic properties of leaves are also discussed. Dynamic variations of T cw in response to the environment and their implications in the regulation of photosynthesis are discussed, and recent evidence suggesting an influence of cell wall composition on g m is presented. We then propose a hypothetical mechanism for the influence of cell walls on photosynthesis, combining the effects of thickness and composition, particularly pectins. Finally, we discuss the prospects for using biotechnology for enhancing photosynthesis by altering cell wall-related genes.