Les différents types métaboliques végétaux and l’assimilation de CO2, leur diversité botanique

Abstract

The definitions of the photosynthetic carbon metabolism types and of the related anatomical, cytological and enzymatic features of C3, C4 and CAM plants are reported with emphasis on the problem of the compartimentation of the typical reactions. The physiological consequences of the different mechanisms on photosynthesis, photorespiration, 13C/12C discrimination and the relationships of these mechanisms with the translocation of photoassimilates and the growth of organisms are described. The diversity of plants in each type, the existence of intermediate plants and the attempts for hybridation are described. The adaptation of C4 species to water stress, to high temperature, and to high light intensity, the induction of the CAM features, the relationship between CO2 and H2O exchange in the plants of the different types are also reported. The origin of C4 and CAM plants more recent than C3 plants promotes the question of the convergence of morphology and function. © 1983 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.