> Hey all,
>
> 1. Does anyone know what method of carbon fixation the CPs employ (i.e.
> Calvin (C3), or C4)? Has any developmental research been done on CP,
> esp. Neps (trap formation)? Any other biological/biochemical research been
> done on CPs (aside from that on the proteolytic enzymes of Nep.)?
Seems to me that CP's would be best adapted to a C3 carbon
fixation due to their habitat. Most C4 and CAM plants are very dry
adapted plants. Without going into detail, C4 and CAM plants have
mechanisms which increase the concentration of atmospheric CO2 at the
Rubisco active site. They therefore don't have to have the stomates as
open and don't have to worry about high water losses (CAM is a little
different, but the same principle).
I don't imagine CP's care about their water use efficiency (WUE)
as they grow in damp, humid conditions (most do anyways). Additionally,
there was a recent posting about increased growth response to increased
atmospheric CO2 levels (via the yeast method). This response is seen
primarily in C3 plants which also makes me think that CP's are C3.
Hope this helps.
Chris Teichreb
Department of Biology
University of Regina
Regina, Saskatchewan, CANADA
E-mail: teichrch@Meena.CC.URegina.CA