Effect of Phosphinothricin (Glufosinate) on Photosynthesis and Photorespiration

Abstract

Phosphinothricin (PPT) causes a rapid inhibition of photosynthesis under atmospheric conditions (400 ppm CO 2 , 21% O 2 ). However, under conditions (1000 ppm CO 2 , 2% O 2 ) under which photorespiration cannot occur, there is no or only a very low rate of photosynthesis inhibition by phosphinothricin. Under both conditions, a strong NH 4 + -accumulation is apparent caused through the inhibition of glutamine synthetase by phosphinothricin. This indicates, that NH 4 + -accumulation cannot be the primary cause for photosynthesis inhibition by phosphinothricin, but a process in connexion with photorespiration plays a central role. Through the lack of amino donors, the transamination of glyoxylate to glycine in photorespiration cannot take place. PPT causes a great decrease in glutamine, glutamate, aspartate, serine, and glycine. Following addition of these amino acids to PPT, there is a decrease in photosynthesis inhibition by PPT. With the addition of glutamine or glutamate to PPT no decrease in serine and glycine is detected, because the transamination of glyoxylate to glycine in photorespiration can occur.