Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 7, 2026

High-Throughput Analysis of Non-Photochemical Quenching in Crops Using Pulse Amplitude Modulated Chlorophyll Fluorometry
Published on: July 6, 2022
Trade-off between photosynthetic promotion and nitrogen fixation suppression induced by chloroplast-targeted Mo
Kan Huang1, Chengxiao Hu1, Qiling Tan1
1Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture, Micro-elements Research Center, College of Resources & Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
Abstract:
Organelle-targeted nanomaterials offer opportunities to improve crop photosynthesis, yet their unintended effects on symbiotic nitrogen fixation remain poorly understood. Here, we developed chloroplast-targeted molybdenum nanoparticles (Chl-Mo) and compared their effects with those of ionic Mo (IonMo) and non-targeted Mo nanoparticles in soybean. Chl-Mo preferentially accumulated in chloroplasts, enhancing photosynthetic carbon assimilation, thylakoid development, PSII performance, sucrose transport, and biomass accumulation. However, this growth promotion was accompanied by suppressed nodule nitrogenase activity, reduced nif gene expression, inhibited GS/GOGAT-mediated nitrogen assimilation, and disrupted microoxic and ROS homeostasis in nodules. Integrated nodule proteomics and metabolomics showed downregulation of sucrose transport, glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis, indicating a decoupling between enhanced carbon input and nitrogen utilization. Root transcriptomics further revealed oxidative stress, impaired nitrate assimilation, and attenuated early symbiotic signaling. These findings demonstrate that chloroplast-targeted Mo delivery can enhance photosynthesis while compromising symbiotic nitrogen fixation, highlighting the need to evaluate belowground symbiotic functions when developing organelle-targeted nanotechnologies for sustainable agriculture.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
The Antenna Complex
The Calvin Benson Cycle
Overview of Metabolism
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
Plant Hormones
Light Acquisition

