C4 photosynthesis: principles of CO2 concentration and prospects for its introduction into C3 plants

2002/04/01 by Richard C. Leegood · 261 citations
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Chemistry · Energy · #Algal biology and biofuel production #Aquatic plant #Biology #Botany #Chemistry #Ecology #Hydrilla #Photorespiration #Photosynthesis #Photosynthetic Processes and Mechanisms #Plant responses to elevated CO2 #RuBisCO #Terrestrial plant

paper · doi:10.1093/jexbot/53.369.581

published in Journal of Experimental Botany 53(369), 581-590 (Oxford University Press)

openalex publication_date 2002/04/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

C(4) photosynthesis has a number of distinct properties that enable the capture of CO(2) and its concentration in the vicinity of Rubisco, so as to reduce the oxygenase activity of Rubisco, and hence the rate of photorespiration. The aim of this review is to discuss the properties of this CO(2)-concentrating mechanism, and thus to indicate the minimum requirements of any genetically-engineered system. In particular, the Kranz leaf anatomy of C(4) photosynthesis and the division of the C(4)-cycle between two cell types involves intercellular co-operation that requires modifications in regulation and transport to make C(4) photosynthesis work. Some examples of these modifications are discussed. Comparisons are made with the C(4)-type photosynthesis found in single-celled C(4)-type CO(2)-concentrating mechanisms, such as that found in the aquatic plant, Hydrilla verticillata and the single-celled C(4) system found in the terrestrial chenopod Borszczowia aralocaspica. The outcome of recent attempts to engineer C(4) enzymes into C(3) plants is discussed.

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