Controls on Photosynthesis and Sugar Production in C3 and C4 Plants: a Modeling Approach

Photosynthesis is a rather complicated process (Figure 1). Along the pathway, there are a series of energy transformations, redox reactions, and entry and exit points, any of which could influence the rate of the overall process. However, physiological measurements yield surprisingly simple relationships among a few environmental factors such as light and CO2 availability and overall rates of photosynthesis measured in the short-term. How do these variables control photosynthesis? You will investigate these mechanisms in two ways. Today, you will use STELLA to simulate the process of photosynthesis to better understand how different mechanisms work together to control the photosynthetic process. In lab next week, you will explore the relationship between carbon dioxide concentration and photosynthesis in two species that differed in their CO2 uptake pathways (C-3 and C-4 plants).