The impact of global change on sources, sinks, and sequestration of carbon and, ultimately, on future changes in plant distribution and biodiversity patterns depends upon the capacity of plants for light capture and CO2 assimilation. This book provides a detailed analysis of photosynthetic mechanisms across the structural and spatial hierarchy from cells to leaves, crowns, canopies, stands and landscapes. The authors question whether photosynthetic adaptations are taking place primarily at the metabolic and biochemical level, or through changes in structure and form, or both. In the interest of genetic engineering applications for plant improvement, they consider the relative importance of genes controlling both metabolic and light reactions, as opposed to the development and arrangement of photosynthetic components.

Klappentext

This is a thorough study of photosynthetic mechanisms from cells to leaves, crown, and canopy. The authors question whether photosynthetic adaptations take place primarily at the metabolic and biochemical level or through changes in structure and form, or both. The text goes on to analyze the relative importance of genes that control metabolic and light reactions, and the structure, arrangement, and orientation of photosynthesis.

Inhalt

Background and Objectives.- Sunlight Capture.- Chloroplast to Leaf.- Leaf to Landscape.- Sunlight Processing.- Chloroplast to Leaf.- CO2 Capture.- Chloroplast to Leaf.- Leaf to Landscape.- CO2 Processing.- Chloroplast to Leaf.- Leaf to Landscape.- Environmental Constraints.- Chloroplast to Leaf.- Leaf to Landscape.- Overview.- Summary and Future Perspectives.