Photosynthetic and Photorespiratory Characteristics of Mutants of Hordeum vulgare L.

The relationship between photosynthesis and photorespiration was determined in normal and 26 mutants of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. Himalaya). The rate of apparent photosynthesis ranged from 1 to 30 milligrams of CO(2) per square decimeter per hour. The variation in rate of photosynthesis was due, in some cases, to differences in chlorophyll content, in others to stomatal resistance, and in still others to unknown factors; but no single factor accounted for the variation. Photorespiratory activity, as determined by the (14)CO(2)/(12)CO(2) technique, CO(2) evolution into CO(2)-free air, and the response of photosynthesis to low and high O(2) concentrations, was positively and significantly correlated with photosynthesis. This supports the idea that the two processes are integrally and tightly coupled. There appears to be no competition between photosynthesis and photorespiration, and the probability of finding plants with high rates of photosynthesis and low rates of photorespiration measured under natural conditions, appears to be very low.