Author:
Maberly Stephen C.,Madsen Tom V.
Abstract
Aquatic angiosperms are derived from terrestrial ancestors and appear to have
re-invaded water on many occasions. While removing problems of water supply
and reducing the need for supporting tissue, freshwaters have a potentially
low and fluctuating supply of CO2 for photosynthesis, as
well as generally low light. This paper reviews the structural, morphological,
physiological, and biochemical features of freshwater macrophytes in the
context of maximising net carbon uptake underwater, and discusses how
inorganic carbon may influence macrophyte ecology. Submerged leaves tend to
have a low photosynthetic capacity on an area basis, matching the low rates of
supply of CO2 and light. Morphological and structural
strategies to overcome potential carbon limitation include possession of
aerial or floating leaves, and lacunal connexions to high concentrations of
sedimentary CO2 via the roots. Physiological and
biochemical strategies include crassulacean acid metabolism,
C4-like metabolism in Hydrilla and
Egeria, and the ability to use
HCO3–. The activity of all
these can be regulated by environmental conditions to maximize growth rate.
Use of HCO3–. is the most
widespread carbon acquisition strategy, present in about half of the tested
submerged angiosperms. It is more common in lakes of high alkalinity and in
the elodeid growth form.
Subject
Plant Science,Agronomy and Crop Science
Cited by
186 articles.
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