Biochemical Basis of Ecological Adaptation

Abstract

Processes of plant adaptaion to various environments are to be found at all levels of plant function and organization. However, while many adatational responses to ceratin environmental conditions have been described at the levels of plant structure and organization, the biochemical basis of such adaptations is often not fully understood. This can be exemplified by the subject of this chapter: the biochemical basis of adaptation of photosynthetic systems to extreme environments. It is known that photosynthesis involves a long chain of mechanisms, enzymes, and intermediate products, which are regulated by a number of internal and external parameters. Environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, low and high temperature, light intensities etc. may affect the overall process of carbon fixation at different points. Such effects may change the rate and direction of the fixation process even by modifying one single enzyme. Such an event would be most critical if a major reaction is affected and/or if a key enzyme is involved.