ISSN:
1432-2048
Keywords:
Key words: Crassulacean acid metabolism
;
Circadian rhythm
;
Kalanchoë
;
Photosynthesis oscillation
;
Synchronizer (“zeitgeber”)
;
Temperature gradient
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract. The crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plant Kalanchoë daigremontiana Hamet et Perrier de la Bâthie shows an endogenous circadian rhythm of net CO2 exchange (J CO2 ) under constant conditions in continuous light. Previous studies have shown, however, that above a certain threshold temperature J CO2 changes from rhythmic to arrhythmic behaviour and that this is reversible when the temperature is lowered again. It is now demonstrated here, that this re-initiation of rhythmic J CO2 from arrhythmicity needs a sufficiently strong temperature signal as defined by its abruptness. Rhythmicity reappears only if the temperature is reduced rather rapidly. If the temperature is reduced slowly then arrhythmicity is retained even at a low temperature level which normally would allow rhythmicity. Under these circumstances, however, a distinct temperature increase followed by an abrupt temperature decrease immediately elicits regular oscillations of J CO2 at this lower temperature. We suggest that the strong temperature signals function as a definite synchronizer (“zeitgeber”) which synchronizes different cells and/or different leaf areas which remain desynchronized after application of only slow temperature changes. This is further supported by Fourier transform analyses, revealing a harmonic structure of the superficially arrhythmic time series of J CO2 after application of slow temperature reductions. This conclusion adds a spatial dimension to the otherwise purely time-dependent rhythmicity and arrhythmicity of J CO2 in CAM.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004250050457
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