Cell Size Controls Photosynthetic Capacity in a Mesoamerican and an Andean Genotype of Phaseolus vulgaris L

Abstract The efficiency of CO 2 flux in the leaf is hindered by a several structural and biochemical barriers which affect the overall net photosynthesis. However, the dearth of information about the genetic control of these features is limiting our ability for genetic manipulation. We performed a comparative analysis between a Mesoamerican and an Andean cultivar of Phaseolus vulgaris at variable light and CO 2 levels. The Mesoamerican bean had higher photosynthetic rate, maximum rate of rubisco carboxylase activity and maximum rate of photosynthetic electron transport at light saturation conditions than its Andean counterpart. Leaf anatomy comparison between genotypes showed that the Mesoamerican bean had smaller cell sizes than the Andean bean. Smaller epidermal cells in the Mesoamerican bean resulted in higher stomata density and consequently higher stomatal conductance for water vapor and CO 2 than in the Andean bean. Likewise, smaller palisade and spongy mesophyll cells in the Mesoamerican than in the Andean bean increased the cell surface area per unit of volume and consequently increased mesophyll conductance. Finally, smaller cells in the Mesoamerican also increased chlorophyll and protein concentration per unit of leaf area. In summary, we show that differential cell size controls the overall net photosynthesis and could be used as a target for genetic manipulation to improve photosynthesis. Highlight PhotosyntheUc performance comparison between a Mesoamerican and an Andean bean genotype showed higher rate at increased light and CO 2 levels. Differences could be explained by variaUon in cell size.