The Effect of Bialaphos on Ammonium-Assimilation and Photosynthesis II. Effect on Photosynthesis and Photorespiration

Abstract

Abstract The application of bialaphos (phosphinothricyl-alanyl-alanine) effects a quick photosynthesis inhibition under atmospheric conditions (400 ppm CO2, 21% O2). However, under conditions (1000 ppm CO2, 2% O2) under which photorespiration cannot occur there is no photosynthesis inhibition. In the previous investigation it could be shown that bialaphos splits in plants into phosphinothricin and alanine. The inhibition of glutamine synthetase through freed phosphinothricin results in an NH4 +-accumulation and a decrease in glutamine. With the addition of glutamine, photosynthesis inhibition by bialaphos can be reduced. An NH4 +-accumulation takes place under atmospheric conditions as well as under non-photorespiratory conditions; though in the latter case, in less amounts. After adding glutamine and other amino acids the NH4 +-accumulation increases especially. This indicates that NH4 +-accumulation cannot be the primary cause for photosynthesis inhibition by bialaphos. The investigations indicate that for the effectiveness of either bialaphos or phosphinothricin, a process in connexion with photorespiration plays a considerable role. The glyoxylate transamination in photorespiration could be inhibited, which results probably on a glyoxylate accumulation. Corresponding investigations showed inhibition of photosynthesis as well as a direct inhibition of RubP-carboxylase with glyoxylate.