Chloroplast ultrastructure in the desert shrub Chrysothamnus nauseosus ssp. albicaulis

Authors

Craig E. Coleman, Brigham Young University
William R. Andersen, Brigham Young University

Abstract

Ultrastructure of the chloroplasts of white rubber rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Pallas) Britt. ssp. albicaulis) was observed with electron microscopy. In addition, leaf anatomy was observed with light microscopy. Previously, it had been reported that the leaves of this desert shrub exhibited a relatively high rate of photosynthesis when compared to other C₃ plants. Comparisons with chloroplasts of other C₃ and C₄ plants demonstrated a reduced amount of granal stacking in the rabbitbrush. However, the classification of rabbitbrush as a C₃ plant is confirmed. RUBP-carboxylase concentration is reported at about 450 mg · ml^-1 stromal space based on the estimation of 1 mg of chlorophyll per 25 ul of stromal space in a normal C₃ chloroplast and data from an assay to determine the ratio of RUBP-carboxylase to chlorophyll.

Recommended Citation

Coleman, Craig E. and Andersen, William R. (1986) "Chloroplast ultrastructure in the desert shrub Chrysothamnus nauseosus ssp. albicaulis," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 46: No. 3, Article 28.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol46/iss3/28