Effect of Phosphinothricin (Glufosinate) on Photosynthesis and Photorespiration

Phosphinothricin (PPT) causes a rapid inhibition of photosynthesis under atmospheric conditions (400 ppm CO2, 21% O2). However, under conditions (1000 ppm CO2, 2% O2) under which photorespiration cannot occur, there is no or only a very low rate of photosynthesis inhibition by phosphinothricin. Under both conditions, a strong NH4 +-accumulation is apparent caused through the inhibition of glutamine synthetase by phosphinothricin. This indicates, that NH4 +-accumulation cannot be the primary cause for photosynthesis inhibition by phosphinothricin, but a process in connexion with photorespiration plays a central role. Through the lack of amino donors, the transamination of glyoxylate to glyci…