The Multifaceted Connections Between Photosynthesis and Respiratory Metabolism

Photosynthesis is the basis of primary productivity on the planet. Crop breeding has sustained steady improvements in yield to keep pace with population growth increases. Yet these advances have not resulted from improving the photosynthetic process per se, but rather from altering the way carbon is partitioned within the plant. Given that the pathways of photosynthesis and respiration catalyze partially opposing processes, it follows that their relative activities must be carefully regulated within plant cells. Exciting recent developments in efforts to understanding the interaction between respiration and photosynthesis during the last decades and the potential mechanisms linking mitochondrial function and photosynthetic efficiency will be reviewed. We additionally emphasize the challenges and opportunities to further understand the complex interplay between photosynthesis and related metabolic processes that has limited success in the manipulation and improvement of photosynthesis. We will also summarize recent advances of alternative approaches for the manipulation and enhancement of photosynthesis and their possible application for crop improvement.