Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2026

A CO2 Concentration Gradient Facility for Testing CO2 Enrichment and Soil Effects on Grassland Ecosystem Function
Published on: November 21, 2015
Biochemical acclimation patterns of Betula pendula and Pinus sylvestris seedlings to elevated carbon dioxide
1University of Helsinki, Department of Forest Ecology, P.O. Box 27, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland. Eija.Juurola@helsinki.fi
Abstract:
Acclimation of photosynthesis to increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]; 350 to 2,000 micromol mol-1) was followed in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings for two years. Chlorophyll fluorescence and concentrations of Rubisco, chlorophyll, total soluble protein and nitrogen were monitored together with steady-state gas exchange at three CO2 concentrations (ambient [CO2] (345 +/- 20 micromol mol-1), the growth [CO2] and 1950 +/- 55 micromol mol-1). Rubisco and chlorophyll concentrations decreased in birch and Scots pine with increasing growth [CO2]. A nonlinear response was recorded for Rubisco and chlorophyll concentrations in birch, which was correlated with a significant decrease in specific leaf area. Nitrogen concentration decreased in birch leaves, but was unchanged in Scots pine needles. The species differed substantially in their steady-state CO2 exchange response to increasing growth [CO2]. The principal effect in birch was a significant nonlinear decrease in the steady-state gas exchange rate at the ambient [CO2], whereas in Scots pine the main effect was a significant increase in the steady-state gas exchange rate at the growth [CO2].
Related Concept Videos
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Responses to Heat and Cold Stress
C4 Pathway and CAM
C4 Pathway
The C4 pathway is used by plants such as...
The Calvin Benson Cycle
Responses to Drought and Flooding
Responses to Salt Stress
