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Spatial d/h heterogeneity of leaf water
1Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33124.
Plant Physiology
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Deuterium (deltaD) levels in Pterocarpus indicus Willd leaves show distinct patterns. While stem and petiole water showed similar deltaD values, mesophyll water was significantly enriched, indicating localized water enrichment within the leaf lamina.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Isotope hydrology
Background:
- Understanding water movement and isotopic composition within plants is crucial for ecological and physiological studies.
- Deuterium (deltaD) as a stable isotope tracer provides insights into water sources and transpiration processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatial distribution and isotopic composition (deltaD) of water within different tissues of Pterocarpus indicus Willd leaves.
- To determine if deuterium enrichment occurs and varies across leaf structures.
Main Methods:
- Collection of water samples from stem, petiole, main vein, and mesophyll of Pterocarpus indicus Willd leaves.
- Analysis of deuterium (deltaD) stable isotope ratios using mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in deltaD values between stem and petiole water.
- A gradient of increasing deltaD values was observed along the main vein from petiole to leaf tip.
- Mesophyll water exhibited significant deuterium enrichment compared to stem, petiole, and vein water.
- Heterogeneous distribution of deltaD values within the mesophyll, with variations up to 20 per thousand.
Conclusions:
- Pterocarpus indicus Willd exhibits distinct deuterium enrichment in leaf mesophyll water.
- Water isotopic composition varies significantly within the leaf, suggesting localized processes affecting water.
- These findings highlight the complexity of water dynamics and isotopic fractionation within plant leaves.