EFFECT OF LOW-LIGHT INTENSITY ON STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONAL TRAITS OF THE LEAF IN CORN (ZEA-MAYS L)

We studied the effect of light flux deficit on structure and function of the leaf in a light-loving C4 plant-corn (Zea mays L.)-using a tech nique involving labelling of early photosynthetic products with a radi oactive carbon isotope (C-14) in combination with light microsopy. Def icient illumination of the plant is accompanied by induction of specif ic beta-carboxylase activity and uncoupling of transport of photosynth etic products from the mesophyll into the sheath-not as a result of le af morphology changes, but rather due to strengthened diversion of ear ly photosynthetic products to the respiratory metabolite pool of mesop hyll cells. This result suggests independent manifestation of structur al and functional C4 traits.