C3-C 4 intermediate photosynthetic characteristics of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) : II. Initial products of(14)CO 2 fixation.

Cassava, bean and maize leaves were fed with(14)CO2 in light and the primary products of photosynthesis identified 5 and 10 seconds after assimilation. In maize, approximately three quarters of the labelled carbon was incorporated in C4 acids, in beans about two thirds in PGA, and in cassava approximately 40-60% in C4 acids with 30-50% in PGA. These data indicate that cassava possesses the C4 photosynthetic cycle, however due to the lack of typical Kranz anatomy appreciable carbon assimilation takes place directly through the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle.