Isotopically nonstationary ¹³ C flux analysis of changes in <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i> leaf metabolism due to high light acclimation

Abstract

Significance To our knowledge, this is the first time that isotopically nonstationary 13 C flux analysis has been successfully applied to map photoautotrophic fluxes in a terrestrial plant system. Our analysis reveals alterations in photosynthetic carbon flux in response to high light acclimation. We provide a quantitative description of metabolism that accommodates acclimation and estimates changes in important fluxes that are difficult to measure. This study demonstrates a comprehensive approach to map the flow and fate of carbon within plant metabolic networks.