Effect of Photorespiratory C(2) Acids on CO(2) Assimilation, PS II Photochemistry and the Xanthophyll Cycle in Maize.

The photorespiration cycle plays an important role in avoiding carbon drainage from the Calvin cycle and in protecting plants from photoinhibition. The role of photorespiration is frequently underestimated in C(4) plants, since these are characterized by low photorespiration rates. The aim of this work was to study the relationship between CO(2) assimilation, PS II photochemistry and the xanthophyll cycle when the photorespiratory cycle is disrupted in Zea mays L.