The effect of electrical signals on photosynthesis and respiration

Abstract

Electrical signals are initial response of plant to the external stimuli. This type of signal may trigger different physiological responses. The most famous is the rapid leaf movement in carnivorous and sensitive plants. However, a lot of less visible changes in plant physiology may occur. This chapter focuses on the effect of action (APs) and variation potentials (VPs) on photosynthesis and respiration. First, experimental methods and setup for measurements of photosynthesis and respiration in response to electrical signals are described. Then detailed information about effect of AP and VP on CO 2 metabolism in different plant species are summarized. Both light and dark reactions of photosynthesis, as well as rate of respiration, are affected by electrical signals, but the effect is often adverse (from inhibition to stimulation of photosynthesis). In addition, the stomatal conductance (g s), an important component of gas exchange, is also differently affected by electrical signals. Summarizing the data from numerous authors, the hypothesis about mechanism underlying photosynthetic limitation and stimulation of respiration is proposed.