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Design and Operation of a Continuous 13C and 15N Labeling Chamber for Uniform or Differential, Metabolic and Structural, Plant Isotope Labeling
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Carbon and nitrogen isotopic values in Lithops aucampiae during leaf development.

Elisabetta Oddo1, Giuseppe D'Asaro1, Emmanuele Monti1

  • 1Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 20, 90123, Palermo, Italy.

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry : PPB
|May 29, 2021
PubMed
Summary

This study provides the first experimental evidence of carbon and nitrogen isotope values in Lithops, confirming Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis and optimized resource use for arid survival.

Keywords:
CAM metabolismCarbon isotope ratioLeaf developmentLithops aucampiaeNitrogen isotope ratioSucculents

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Area of Science:

  • Plant ecophysiology
  • Isotope geochemistry
  • Plant anatomy and development

Background:

  • Lithops, known as 'living stones', are highly adapted succulents with unique leaf arrangements.
  • Their extreme arid environment survival strategies and Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) require further experimental validation.
  • Peculiar anatomy presents challenges for ecophysiological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate resource optimization in Lithops for arid survival using carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis.
  • To provide experimental evidence for CAM metabolism in Lithops.
  • To correlate isotopic signatures with plant development and environmental adaptation.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratios in mature leaves, young leaves, and roots.
  • Cultivation of Lithops aucampiae under prolonged drought conditions (6 months, no irrigation).
  • Periodic sampling and isotopic analysis throughout the plant's developmental cycle.

Main Results:

  • δ13C values in Lithops leaves were less negative (-16.4 to -13.1‰) compared to roots, supporting CAM photosynthesis.
  • δ15N values were higher in leaves ( -0.8 to 3.9‰) than in roots.
  • Isotopic values showed variations related to leaf developmental stage and water availability.

Conclusions:

  • The study presents the first experimental evidence of carbon and nitrogen isotope values in Lithops.
  • Isotopic data strongly support the presence of CAM metabolism in Lithops.
  • Findings highlight efficient resource utilization strategies for survival in extreme arid conditions.