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New insights into the cellular mechanisms of plant growth at elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations
Author(s) -
Gamage Dananjali,
Thompson Michael,
Sutherland Mark,
Hirotsu Naoki,
Makino Amane,
Seneweera Saman
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
plant, cell and environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.646
H-Index - 200
eISSN - 1365-3040
pISSN - 0140-7791
DOI - 10.1111/pce.13206
Subject(s) - photosynthesis , stomatal conductance , carbon dioxide , carbon dioxide in earth's atmosphere , biomass (ecology) , biology , water use efficiency , plant physiology , agronomy , botany , chemistry , ecology
Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO 2 ]) significantly influences plant growth, development, and biomass. Increased photosynthesis rate, together with lower stomatal conductance, has been identified as the key factors that stimulate plant growth at elevated [CO 2 ] (e[CO 2 ]). However, variations in photosynthesis and stomatal conductance alone cannot fully explain the dynamic changes in plant growth. Stimulation of photosynthesis at e[CO 2 ] is always associated with post‐photosynthetic secondary metabolic processes that include carbon and nitrogen metabolism, cell cycle functions, and hormonal regulation. Most studies have focused on photosynthesis and stomatal conductance in response to e[CO 2 ], despite the emerging evidence of e[CO 2 ]'s role in moderating secondary metabolism in plants. In this review, we briefly discuss the effects of e[CO 2 ] on photosynthesis and stomatal conductance and then focus on the changes in other cellular mechanisms and growth processes at e[CO 2 ] in relation to plant growth and development. Finally, knowledge gaps in understanding plant growth responses to e[CO 2 ] have been identified with the aim of improving crop productivity under a CO 2 rich atmosphere.