How do plants adjust their photosynthesis in response to fluctuating light environments in future climate

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21H02171
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 39020:Crop production science-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Yamori Wataru 東京大学, 大学院農学生命科学研究科(農学部), 准教授 (90638363)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 光合成 / 環境応答 / 気孔 / 電子伝達 / Rubisco

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Photosynthetic responses to increases in atmospheric CO2 concentration and improvements in photosynthetic capacity to enhance crop productivity have been studied under the steady-state light environment with constant light intensity, but in the natural environments, light fluctuates drastically because of altering sun positions, cloud cover, leaf angle, and shadows due to canopy cover. Therefore, this project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of various reactions that contribute to the enhancement of photosynthesis in the present and near-future expected environments. We have revealed that 1) modifications of electron-transfer system by introducing the Flavodiiron protein (Flv) gene, 2) modifications of Rubisco activase, an activator of Rubisco, and 3) modifications of stomatal response in response to variable light, has improved the photosynthesis under fluctuating light conditions.

Free Research Field

作物生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

バイオマス増大に向けての育種戦略を示すため、現在と近未来の環境において、光合成の包括的理解から光合成装置全体の最適化を目指す計画は革新的である。本申請課題は野外環境における光合成機能の強化に向けた基盤技術の確立に寄与し、植物にとって必須な “光”に対する植物の適応性を高める意義は大きいと言える。