Differences between maize and rice in N-use efficiency for photosynthesis and protein allocation
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Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Imaging and Analysis for Quantifying Maize (Zea mays) Abiotic Stress Phenotypes
Published on: March 28, 2025
Amane Makino1, Hiroe Sakuma, Emi Sudo
1Department of Applied Plant Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, Tsutsumidori-Amamiyamachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981-8555 Japan. makino@biochem.tohoku.ac.jp
Abstract:
The N-use efficiency for photosynthesis was higher in a C(4) plant, maize, than in a C(3) plant, rice, including rbcS antisense rice with optimal ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) content for CO(2)-saturated photosynthesis, even when photosynthesis was measured under saturating CO(2) conditions. The N cost for the C(4) cycle enzymes in maize was not large, and the lower amount of Rubisco allowed a greater N investment in the thylakoid components. This greater content of the thylakoid components as well as the CO(2) concentrating mechanism may support higher N-use efficiency for photosynthesis in maize.
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