Does photosynthetic maturity proceed at different rates in soybeans exposed to elevated carbon dioxide and ozone concentrations?
The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the earth's atmosphere has been increasing since the industrial revolution. Tropospheric ozone (O3) concentrations are also rising. Elevated CO2 stimulates crop yield, while elevated O3 reduces crop yields. Both of these global atmospheric changes will have an affect on future food resources. Free air concentration enrichment experiments (FACE) allow the study of photosynthesis and production of soybean in a field that resembles projected climate changes for the future. By studying photosynthesis along with biochemistry changes in leaves of different stages of development in soybean, this research hopes to determine if elevated CO2 and O3 alter the rate of photosynthetic development. This is important because photosynthesis provides the carbohydrates and energy needed for growth and yield. Gas exchange measurements produce information on regulation of plant leaf CO2 uptake, which will assist this research in finding specific photosynthesis rates, growth adaptation, and stomata conductance for soybean in response to the elevated levels of CO2 and O3. Biochemical assays which analyze chlorophyll, carbohydrate, protein and starch levels also allow for comparison of chemical compounds among leaves of different maturity levels collected from SoyFACE. Results may show if leaves reach photosynthetic maturity at different rates in elevated CO2 and elevated O3. Faster maturity would allow leaves to be sources of carbohydrates sooner, and would further increase the potential for carbon uptake by the ecosystem.
School:
University of Kansas
Department:
Computer Science
Research Advisor:
Lisa Ainsworth
Department of Research Advisor:
Plant Biology
Year of Publication:
2006