Photosynthesis In Relation To Plant Production In Terrestrial Environments.

Abstract

This book which is published for the United Nations Environment Programme arises from a report entitled Photosynthesis and Bioproductivity submitted to the 9th session of the Governing Council of UNEP in 1981 and updated in 1984. The 1st part is introductory and includes a chapter on photosynthetic mechanisms with description of chloroplast structure and the biochemical pathways of photosynthesis, a chapter on photosynthetic diversity which discusses C3 and C4 plants and crassulacean acid metabolism and a chapter on photosynthetic productivity. The 2nd part considers factors influencing photosynthetic productivity with chapters on light which includes sections on available light, conversion of energy, quantum yield, light response curve and sun and shade spp., on temp. including reversible and irrevisible effects on the soil factors water, salinity and nutrients, and on pollution including gaseous pollutants, heavy metals and UV radiation. The 3rd part covers research on photosynthetic productivity with chapters on photochemistry and C metabolism, gas exchange, limits to biomass production, integrated models relating photosynthesis to productivity and future perspectives.