Question

If you inhibit mitochondrial ATP production in a rapidly photosynthesizing leaf during the summer how might it affect the plant’s vasculature?

Answer 1

Xylem transports water and minerals from the soil to the leaves mostly by passive transport. The transpiration pull caused due to the evaporation of water from the stomata creates an upward force in the xylem that helps its content to move up to the leaves. It also involves cohesion and adhesion forces that maintain a steady flow of the water and nutrients in the xylem. Phloem, on the other hand, transports sugars to all parts of the plant by using energy produced by the mitochondria or by active transport.

If mitochondrial ATP production in inhibited there will be little effect on the xylem because it does not require ATP for the transport of water and minerals.

However, phloem will be unable to transport food or sugars to other parts of the plant and they will start dying due to lack of carbohydrates to produce their own energy for normal functioning.