Bryophytes, which are important constituents of ecosystems globally and often dominate carbon and water dynamics at high latitudes and elevations, were also among the pioneers of terrestrial photosynthesis. Consequently, in addition to their present day ecological value, modern representatives of these groups contain the legacy of adaptations that led to the greening of Earth.
Photosynthesis in Bryophytes and Early Land Plants brings together experts on bryophyte photosynthesis whose research spans the genome and cell through whole plant and ecosystem function and combines that with historical perspectives on the role of algal, bryophyte and vascular plant ancestors on terrestrialization of the Earth.
The eighteen well-illustrated chapters of Photosynthesis in Bryophytes and Early Land Plants reveal unique physiological approaches to achieving carbon balance and dealing with environmental limitations and stresses that present an alternative, yet successful strategy for land plants.
From the Series Editors
Preface
The Editors
Contributors
Author Index
1. What Can We Learn From Bryophyte Photosynthesis?; David T. Hanson, Steven K. Rice
Summary
I. Introduction
II. Terrestrialization
III. Biochemical and Cellular Biology
IV. Organization of the Bryophyte Photosynthetic System
V. Ecophysiology of Bryophyte Photosynthesis: Adapting to Environmental Stress
VI. Conclusions
Acknowledgements
2. Early Terrestrialization: Transition From Algal to Bryophyte Grade; Linda Graham et al
Summary
I. Introduction
II. Molecular Systematics Provides a Reasonably Well-resolved Framework For Investigations of Terrrestrialization Process and Pattern
III. Early-evolved Physiological Traits Likely Fostered the Process by Which Streptophytes Made the Transition to Land
IV. Comparison of Early-diverging Modern Photosynthesizers to Precambrian-Devonian Fossils Illuminates the Pattern of Terrestrialization
V. Perspective
Acknowledgements
References
3. Photosynthesis in Early Land Plants: Adapting to the Terrestrial Environment; John A. Raven, Dianne Edwards
Summary
I. Introduction
II. Extant Terrestrial Cyanobacteria, Algae and Embryophytes
III. The Time of Origin of Photosynthetic Taxa With Emphasis on Those Which Occur on Land
IV. Evidence of Primary Productivity on Land Before and Contemporary With the First Evidence of Embryophytes
V. Terrestrial Photosynthetic Organisms in the Upper Silurian and Devonian
VI. Photosynthetic Capacities
VII. Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
4. The Diversification of Bryophytes and Vascular Plants in Evolving Terrestrial Environments; Michael C. F. Proctor
Summary
I. Introduction
II. Beginnings: The Transition From Water to Land
III. Exchanges of Matter and Energy at the Earth's Surface
IV. Selection Pressures on Early Land Plants
V. The Evolution of Vascular Plants
VI. The Post-Palaeozoic Scene: Complex Habitats
VII. Overview
Acknowledgements
References
5. Best Practices for Measuring Photosynthesis at Multiple Scales; Steven K. Rice, J. Hans C. Cornelissen
Summary
I. Introduction
II. The Photosynthetic Organ in Bryophytes
III. Standardizing Photosynthetic Measurements
IV. Best Practices for Studies of Photosynthesis
Acknowledgements
References
6. Diffusion Limitation and CO2 Concentrating Mechanisms in Bryophytes; David T. Hanson et al
Summary
I. Introduction
II. Tissue Structure and CO2 Diffusion
III. Evolutionary Trade-Off Between Cell Wall Structure and CO2 Diffusion
IV. The Carbon Concentrating Mechanism (CCM) of Bryophytes
Acknowledgements
References
7. Sunsafe Bryophytes: Photoprotection from Excess and Damaging Solar Radiation; Sharon A. Robinson, Melinda J. Waterman
Summary
I. Introduction
II. Avoiding Absorption of Excessive or Damaging Radiation
III. Dealing With Excess Light Absorbed Within the Chloroplast
IV. Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
8. Chloroplast Movement in Higher Plants, Ferns and Bryophytes: A Comparative Point of View; Martina Koniger
Summary
I. Introduction
II. Photoreceptors
III. The Role of the Cytoskeleton
IV. Chloroplast Movement Speed
V. Degrees of Movement
VI. Effects of Other Environmental Factors on Chloroplast Positioning
VII. Chloroplast Movement in Different Cellular Locations
VIII. Ecological Importance
IX. Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
9. Scaling Light Harvesting from Moss "Leaves" to Canopies; Ulo Niinemets, Mari Tobias
Summary
I. Introduction
II. Light Interception in Mosses
III. Gradients of "Leaf" Traits in Moss Canopies: Acclimation or Senescence?
IV. Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
10. Structural and Functional Analysis of Bryophyte Canopies; Steven K. Rice et al
Summary
I. Introduction
II. Chlorophyll Fluorescence 2D Imaging in Sphagnum
III. 3D Thermal Mapping of Bryophyte Canopies
IV. Light Dynamics in Virtual Bazzania trilobata Canopies
V. Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
11. Genetics and Genomics of Moss Models: Physiology Enters the 21st Century; David J. Cove, Andrew C. Cuming
Summary
I. Introduction
II. Propagation
III. Genetic Manipulation
IV. Genomic Data and Applications
V. Potential for Photosynthetic Studies
References
12. Photosynthesis in Aquatic Bryophytes; Janice M. Glime
Summary
I. Introduction: History of Photosynthesis in Aquatic Bryophytes
II. The Role of Plant and Habitat Structure in Photosynthesis
III. Substrate Availability and Utilization in Aquatic Bryophytes
IV. Desiccation
V. Storage Compounds
VI. Productivity
VII. Seasons
VIII. Future Research
References
13. Physiological Ecology of Peatland Bryophytes; Tomas Hajek
Summary
I. Introduction
II. Specific Adaptations of Peatland Bryophytes
III. Specific Properties of Peatlands
IV. Seasonal Variability of Photosynthesis and Respiration
V. Photosynthesis and Production in a Warmer and Richer World
VI. Suggestions for Further Research
Acknowledgements
References
14. Interacting Controls on Ecosystem Photosynthesis and Respiration in Contrasting Peatland Ecosystems; Lawrence B. Flanagan
Summary
I. Introduction
II. Characteristics of Study Sites and Ecosystem CO2 Flux Measurements
III. Comparison of a Sphagnum-dominated Poor Fen and a Carex-dominated Rich Fen
IV. Sensitivity of CO2 Exchange in a Moderately-rich Fen to Warmer and Drier Conditions
V. Peatland Succession and Implications for Historical and Future Carbon Sequestration
VI. Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
15. Physiological Ecology of Tropical Bryophytes; Sebastian Wagner et al
Summary
I. Introduction
II. The Physical Setting
III. The Carbon Balance of Tropical Bryophytes
IV. Effects of Hydration and Desiccation on the Carbon Balance
V. Effects of Light and CO2 on the Carbon Balance
VI. Effects of Temperature on the Carbon Balance
VII. Nutrients
VIII. The Fate of Non-Vascular Epiphytes under Global Change
IX. Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
16. Physiological Ecology of Dryland Biocrust Mosses; Kirsten K. Coe et al
Summary
I. Introduction
II. Desiccation Tolerance, Precipitation Pulses, and Carbon Balance
III. Water Relations
IV. Temperature Relations
V. Response to Variation in Light
VI. Responses to Elevated CO2
VII. Nutrient Relations
VIII. Distributions and Ecological Roles of Biocrust Moss in a Future Climate
IX. Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
17. Dominating the Antarctic Environment: Bryophytes in a Time of Change; Jessica E. Bramley-Alves et al
Summary
I. Introduction
II. Water Availability
III. Temperature
IV. The Ozone Hole and Increased Ultraviolet Radiation
V. Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
18. Opportunities in Bryophyte Photosynthesis Research; Steven K. Rice, David T. Hanson
Summary
I. Introduction
II. Opportunities in Bryophyte Photosynthesis Research
III. Bryophyte Biology and Related Resources
IV. Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
Subject Index