Abstract Detail

Physiology & Ecophysiology

Borsuk, Aleca [1], Brodersen, Craig [2].

The spatial distribution of chlorophyll within leaves.

The distribution of chlorophyll within the leaf determines which cells are photosynthetically active, and is thus a critical parameter in photosynthesis modeling. Yet, while leaves across plant taxa are anatomically complex and vary considerably in microstructure, spatially resolved data for leaf chlorophyll distributions are limited. Here, we used chlorophyll fluorescence imaging of leaves to measure relative chlorophyll concentration within leaves of 56 terrestrial plant taxa and find that phylogenetic associations lead to distinct, heterogeneous organizations of chlorophyll at multiple cladistic scales. In contrast, the mean chlorophyll distribution model derived from the studied species converged to a predictable 1D chlorophyll profile, supporting established ideas that fundamental constraints by physical optics (e.g. light scatter in mesophyll and sieve effects) govern archetypal patterns in chlorophyll distribution. Chlorophyll profile data are further discussed regarding the significance of leaf anatomical traits such as position of veins, the transition between palisade and spongy mesophyll, and overall mesophyll thickness. This work provides 1D and 2D chlorophyll distribution data for many ecologically and commercially significant species, representing a first step in more accurate photosynthesis modeling.

1 - 550 Whitney Ave Apt 11, New Haven, CT, 06511, United States
2 - Yale University, School Of Forestry & Environmental Studies, 195 Prospect Street, Kroon Hall, New Haven, CT, 06511, United States

Keywords:
chlorophyll fluorescence
leaf optics
photosynthesis modeling
leaf microstructure.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Physiology & Ecophysiology
Location: Grand Ballroom - Exhibit Hall/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PPE006
Abstract ID:519
Candidate for Awards:Physiological Section Best poster presentation,Physiological Section Physiological Section Li-COR Prize