Optimization of Photosynthetic Productivity in Contrasting Environments by Regulons Controlling Plant Form and Function

Abstract

We review the role of a family of transcription factors and their regulons in maintaining high photosynthetic performance across a range of challenging environments with a focus on extreme temperatures and water availability. Specifically, these transcription factors include CBFs (C-repeat binding factors) and DREBs (dehydration-responsive element-binding), with CBF/DREB1 primarily orchestrating cold adaptation and other DREBs serving in heat, drought, and salinity adaptation. The central role of these modulators in plant performance under challenging environments is based on (i) interweaving of these regulators with other key signaling networks (plant hormones and redox signals) as well as (ii) their function in integrating responses across the whole plant, from light-harvesting and sugar-production in the leaf to foliar sugar export and water import and on to the plant’s sugar-consuming sinks (growth, storage, and reproduction). The example of Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes from geographic origins with contrasting climates is used to describe the links between natural genetic variation in CBF transcription factors and the differential acclimation of plant anatomical and functional features needed to support superior photosynthetic performance in contrasting environments. Emphasis is placed on considering different temperature environments (hot versus cold) and light environments (limiting versus high light), on trade-offs between adaptations to contrasting environments, and on plant lines minimizing such trade-offs.

Reactive oxygen species, oxidative signaling and the regulation of photosynthesis

“…Moreover, decreasing the time required for NPQ relaxation was found to increase the efficiency of CO 2 assimilation in tobacco leaves such that productivity was increased by up to 20% ( Kromdijk et al, 2016 ). The observed enhancement of biomass production may not only be due to increased energy availability as a result of an improved efficiency of photon capture, but also to an increase in the production of ROS signals that stimulate cell expansion and growth ( Demmig-Adams et al, 2018 ). An association between increased growth, decreased thermal dissipation and enhanced ROS production is consistent with findings of Esteban et al (2009) .…”

Physiological Characteristics of Photosynthesis in Yellow-Green, Green and Dark-Green Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. alboglabra Musil.) under Varying Light Intensities

“…Eco-physiological studies require knowledge of the photosynthetic rates of plants under different environmental conditions and a broad range in light intensity. Plants respond to sudden and sustained fluctuations in light intensities, partly throughtheir molecular redox-signaling transduction mechanisms in the chloroplast [1]. Light intensity not only affects plant growth and biochemical characteristics, but also associates with the photosynthetic efficiency of plants.…”

Cold acclimation has a differential effect on leaf vascular bundle structure and carbon export rates in natural Arabidopsis accessions originating from southern and northern Europe

“…Thus, a higher growth rate might also be reflected by increased petiole and xylem areas of northern accessions in the present study. Finally, although it remains pure speculation at this point, maybe sink strength of northern accessions has been reduced during cold acclimation in order to facilitate carbon and energy supply for maintenance and biosynthesis of protective substances (Demmig‐Adams et al, 2018). In parallel to a higher shoot growth rate, this would explain the reduced exudation rates in cold acclimated plants and represent a central trade‐off for development under low temperature.…”