The C3 photosynthetic pathway uses light energy to reduce CO2 to carbohydrates and other organic compounds and is a central component of biological metabolism. In C3 photosynthesis, CO2 assimilation is catalyzed by ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), which reacts with both CO2 and O2. While competitive inhibition of CO2 assimilation by oxygen is suppressed at high CO2 concentrations, O2 inhibition is substantial when CO2 concentration is low and O2 concentration is high; this inhibition is amplified by high temperature and aridity (Sage 2004). Atmospheric CO2 concentration dropped below saturating levels 25-30 million years ago (Tipple & Pagani 2007), and the C4 photosynthetic pathway is hypothesized to have first evolved in warm, low latitude environments around this time (Christin et al. 2008a). The primary feature of C4 photosynthesis is suppression of O2 inhibition through concentration of CO2 around Rubisco. This pathway is estimated to have evolved almost 50 times across 19 angiosperm families (Muhaidat et al. 2007), a remarkable example of evolutionary convergence. In several C4 lineages, there are species with photosynthetic traits that are intermediate between the C3 and C4 states, known as C3-C4 intermediates. In two eudicot genera, Flaveria (Asteraceae) and Alternanthera (Amaranthaceae), there is evidence that these species represented an intermediate state in the evolution of the C4 pathway (McKown et al. 2005; Sanchez-del Pino 2009). The purpose of this thesis is to ascertain the specific benefits to plant carbon balance and resource-use efficiencies of the C3-C4 pathway relative to C3 species, particularly at low CO2 concentrations and high temperatures, factors which are thought to have been important in selecting for C3-C4 traits (Ehleringer et al. 1991). This will provide information on the particular advantages of the C3-C4 pathway in warm, often arid environments and how these advantages may have been important in advancing the initial stages of C4 evolution in eudicots. This thesis addresses the physiological intermediacy of previously uncharacterized C3-C4 species of Heliotropium (Boraginaceae); the water- and nitrogen-use efficiencies of C3-C4 species of Flaveria; and the photosynthetic performance and acclimation of C3, C4 and C3-C4 species of Heliotropium, Flaveria and Alternanthera grown at low and current ambient CO2 levels and high temperature.

The C3 photosynthetic pathway uses light energy to reduce CO2 to carbohydrates and other organic compounds and is a central component of biological metabolism. In C3 photosynthesis, CO2 assimilation is catalyzed by ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), which reacts with both CO2 and O2. While competitive inhibition of CO2 assimilation by oxygen is suppressed at high CO2 concentrations, O2 inhibition is substantial when CO2 concentration is low and O2 concentration is high; this inhibition is amplified by high temperature and aridity (Sage 2004). Atmospheric CO2 concentration dropped below saturating levels 25-30 million years ago (Tipple & Pagani 2007), and the C4 photosynthetic pathway is hypothesized to have first evolved in warm, low latitude environments around this time (Christin et al. 2008a). The primary feature of C4 photosynthesis is suppression of O2 inhibition through concentration of CO2 around Rubisco. This pathway is estimated to have evolved almost 50 times across 19 angiosperm families (Muhaidat et al. 2007), a remarkable example of evolutionary convergence. In several C4 lineages, there are species with photosynthetic traits that are intermediate between the C3 and C4 states, known as C3-C4 intermediates. In two eudicot genera, Flaveria (Asteraceae) and Alternanthera (Amaranthaceae), there is evidence that these species represented an intermediate state in the evolution of the C4 pathway (McKown et al. 2005; Sanchez-del Pino 2009). The purpose of this thesis is to ascertain the specific benefits to plant carbon balance and resource-use efficiencies of the C3-C4 pathway relative to C3 species, particularly at low CO2 concentrations and high temperatures, factors which are thought to have been important in selecting for C3-C4 traits (Ehleringer et al. 1991). This will provide information on the particular advantages of the C3-C4 pathway in warm, often arid environments and how these advantages may have been important in advancing the initial stages of C4 evolution in eudicots. This thesis addresses the physiological intermediacy of previously uncharacterized C3-C4 species of Heliotropium (Boraginaceae); the water- and nitrogen-use efficiencies of C3-C4 species of Flaveria; and the photosynthetic performance and acclimation of C3, C4 and C3-C4 species of Heliotropium, Flaveria and Alternanthera grown at low and current ambient CO2 levels and high temperature.

The C₄ biochemical pathway is the most efficient form of photosynthesis in warm environments and introducing this system into globally significant, but less efficient, C₃ photosynthetic crops could bring major yield increases. The most photosynthetically efficient C₄ grass species have a specialised leaf anatomy characterised by high vein density with two distinct cell types radially arranged around the vascular bundles (Kranz anatomy). Although this anatomy was first described in 1882, the genetic regulators controlling Kranz development are still not known. In recent years, transcriptomic analysis has allowed researchers to identify candidate Kranz regulator genes, and a model for Kranz development has been proposed, however, this model has not been experimentally validated. This study used in situ hybridisation to visualise expression patterns for a set of candidate Kranz regulator genes in maize and the orthologous genes in rice. Further, morphological analysis of rice lines with constitutive expression of the candidate Kranz regulator genes AINTEGUMENTA 1 and DAG-LIKE 1 and 2 were used to characterise protein function during C₃ monocot leaf development. The function of maize AINTEGUMENTA in the C₃ eudicot arabidopsis was also investigated. The results of the in situ hybridisation experiments led to the refinement of the Kranz model and identified potential roles for the candidate regulators during leaf development. The constitutive expression experiments highlighted the regulatory differences between eudicot and monocot leaf development and implicated the regulation of auxin-cytokinin homeostatis as a key factor in Kranz development. Ultimately, this work can be used to guide research into Kranz development and has direct implications for engineering C₄ photosynthesis into rice.

The C4 cycle represents a series of biochemical and anatomical modifications that are targeted to overcome the effects of photorespiration caused by the oxygenase capability of Ribulose Bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase (RuBisCO). The cycle has evolved independently in over 60 lineages, which suggests that recruitment of genes into the C4 cycle is a relatively easy process. However, the mechanisms by which the anatomy and cell-specificity of the components of the C4 cycle is achieved is poorly understood. Preliminary work in maize indicated several components of the C4 cycle may be targeted by microRNAs (miRNAs). To explore this, a library of sRNA sequences from mature leaf tissue of the model C4 species Cleome gynandra L. was generated and then searched against a list of expressed sequence tag sequences for candidate genes of the C4 cycle. To complement this, transgenic C. gynandra containing the viral p19 protein, which is capable of suppressing miRNA activity, were produced. A limited subset of the candidate C4 genes showed a high level of sRNA read alignment. In C. gynandra plants expressing p19 photosynthesis was compromised and transcripts of several genes (most notably RbcS and RCA) were upregulated. These data were complemented by examining the effect of illumination on developing C. gynandra cotyledons, and attempts to generate a hybrid between C. gynandra and the C3 C. hassleriana Chodat. RbcS also showed elevated abundance in etiolated cotyledons, although this rapidly declined after illumination. The remainder of the C4 genes profiled accumulated in etiolated tissue, but were upregulated within 6 hours of illumination. Therefore, this study has illustrated that miRNA activity may play a role in maintaining the C4 photosynthetic cycle at optimum efficiency, although it has not been possible to identify at which point(s) this regulation is applied. Secondly, RbcS appears to be subject to multiple regulatory mechanisms in C. gynandra, and it is possible that miRNAs have a role in negatively regulating expression of RbcS.

A síndrome Kranz é um conjunto de características anatômicas, ultra-estruturais e bioquímicas que culminam na realização da fotossíntese C4. Tal síndrome apresenta grande diversidade dentre as Angiospermas, tornando-se conveniente seu estudo em todos os níveis acima citados para a completa caracterização da mesma. No presente trabalho foi investigada a síndrome Kranz de Gomphrena arborescens e G. scapigera (Amaranthaceae) com ênfase na origem ontogenética da bainha Kranz, na descrição ultra-estrutural e na confirmação bioquímica sobre o tipo de fotossíntese C4. O desenvolvimento foliar dessas espécies indica que a bainha Kranz é originada da camada mais interna do mesofilo, a endoderme foliar. Uma discussão sobre os termos presentes na literatura para a descrição dessa bainha, todos eles focados em sua função na fotossíntese C4, demonstra a importância de se utilizar termos que informem a origem ontogenética dessa bainha, como endoderme e periciclo. Na análise ultra-estrutural, foram identificados possíveis fatores que interferem na fotossíntese de ambas as espécies, como o espessamento e a composição da parede da bainha Kranz, o posicionamento centrípeto dos cloroplastos e a presença de retículo periférico nos mesmos. Embora a análise bioquímica tenha resultado em informações ainda não conclusivas, o dimorfismo dos cloroplastos sugere a realização da fotossíntese C4 do tipo NADP-ME. O presente trabalho, de uma forma geral, contribui ao conhecimento da síndrome Kranz dentre as Amaranthaceae s.s., um grupo em que a ultra-estrutura e a bioquímica ainda são pouco conhecidas, e ressalta a importância dos estudos anatômicos, principalmente com enfoque ontogenético, para o melhor conhecimento da diversidade da síndrome Kranz dentre as Angiospermas. / The Kranz syndrome is a set of anatomical, ultrastructural and biochemical features that culminate in the C4 photosynthesis. This syndrome has a huge diversity among Angiosperms, so it became suitable to survey all the levels above cited for its complete characterization. In the present work the Kranz syndrome of Gomphrena arborescens and G. scapigera (Amaranthaceae) is studied, with emphasis on the ontogenetic origin of the Kranz sheath, on the ultrastructural description, and on the biochemical confirmation about the C4 photosynthesis kind. The foliar development of these species shows that the Kranz sheath is originated from the inner layer of the mesophyll, the foliar endodermis. A discussion about the literature terms used to describe the Kranz sheath, all of them referring to the function of this layer in C4 photosynthesis, demonstrates the importance of using terms that inform the ontogenetic origin of this layer, such as endodermis and perycicle. The ultrastructural analysis identified possible factors that interfere on the C4 photosynthesis of both species, such as wall thickening and composition of Kranz sheath cells, the centripetal position of chloroplasts and the peripheral reticulum in chloroplasts. Although biochemical analysis has resulted in no conclusive information, the chloroplast dimorphism suggests the NADP-ME C4 photosynthesis. This work, in a general way, contributes to the knowledge of the Kranz syndrome among Amaranthaceae s.s., a group that has the ultrastructure and the biochemistry of C4 photosynthesis poorly known. It also draws attention to the importance of anatomical surveys concerning the ontogenetic origin of Kranz sheath for a better understanding on the diversity of Kranz syndrome among Angiosperms.

The C₄ photosynthetic pathway acts to concentrate CO₂ around the enzyme Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (Rubisco), ensuring that it catalyses a carboxylation rather than oxygenation reaction, which in turn suppresses photorespiration. In nearly all cases C₄ photosynthesis is underpinned by characteristic Kranz anatomy, with concentric wreaths of bundle sheath (BS) and mesophyll (M) cells surrounding closely spaced veins. The increased yields associated with the C₄ pathway have lead to the suggestion that C₃ crops such as rice should be engineered to undertake C₄ photosynthesis, however, this goal is currently held back by a lack of understanding about how the development of Kranz anatomy is regulated. Recently, a number of candidate Kranz regulators have been identified in an RNA-seq study that compared leaf development in maize foliar (Kranz) and husk (non-Kranz) leaves. However, this study did not consider the impact of a recent whole genome duplication in the maize lineage on the gene expression patterns analysed. Therefore, in this thesis maize homeolog gene-pair divergence during early leaf development was assessed. This revealed that expression divergence of homeolog gene-pairs is a significant evolutionary phenomenon. Functional validation of a subset of Kranz candidates revealed that a Zmscr1-1; Zmscr1h-1 double mutant exhibited defects in Kranz patterning, including increased formation of extra BS cells and veins with no separating M cells. Furthermore, Zmnkd1; Zmnkd2 double mutants exhibited a subtle increase in extra BS cell formation. Taken together, this indicates that both ZmSCR1/ZmSCR1h and ZmNKD1/ZmNKD2 function redundantly during Kranz development. No evidence was obtained that two additional genes, ZmSHR2 and ZmRVN1, play a role in Kranz development, and expression of candidate Kranz regulators in rice did not alter leaf anatomy. Together, this work has confirmed roles for a number of genes in Kranz regulation, and has provided insight into the complex regulation underpinning Kranz development in maize.

A síndrome Kranz é um conjunto de características anatômicas, ultra-estruturais e bioquímicas que culminam na realização da fotossíntese C4. Tal síndrome apresenta grande diversidade dentre as Angiospermas, tornando-se conveniente seu estudo em todos os níveis acima citados para a completa caracterização da mesma. No presente trabalho foi investigada a síndrome Kranz de Gomphrena arborescens e G. scapigera (Amaranthaceae) com ênfase na origem ontogenética da bainha Kranz, na descrição ultra-estrutural e na confirmação bioquímica sobre o tipo de fotossíntese C4. O desenvolvimento foliar dessas espécies indica que a bainha Kranz é originada da camada mais interna do mesofilo, a endoderme foliar. Uma discussão sobre os termos presentes na literatura para a descrição dessa bainha, todos eles focados em sua função na fotossíntese C4, demonstra a importância de se utilizar termos que informem a origem ontogenética dessa bainha, como endoderme e periciclo. Na análise ultra-estrutural, foram identificados possíveis fatores que interferem na fotossíntese de ambas as espécies, como o espessamento e a composição da parede da bainha Kranz, o posicionamento centrípeto dos cloroplastos e a presença de retículo periférico nos mesmos. Embora a análise bioquímica tenha resultado em informações ainda não conclusivas, o dimorfismo dos cloroplastos sugere a realização da fotossíntese C4 do tipo NADP-ME. O presente trabalho, de uma forma geral, contribui ao conhecimento da síndrome Kranz dentre as Amaranthaceae s.s., um grupo em que a ultra-estrutura e a bioquímica ainda são pouco conhecidas, e ressalta a importância dos estudos anatômicos, principalmente com enfoque ontogenético, para o melhor conhecimento da diversidade da síndrome Kranz dentre as Angiospermas. / The Kranz syndrome is a set of anatomical, ultrastructural and biochemical features that culminate in the C4 photosynthesis. This syndrome has a huge diversity among Angiosperms, so it became suitable to survey all the levels above cited for its complete characterization. In the present work the Kranz syndrome of Gomphrena arborescens and G. scapigera (Amaranthaceae) is studied, with emphasis on the ontogenetic origin of the Kranz sheath, on the ultrastructural description, and on the biochemical confirmation about the C4 photosynthesis kind. The foliar development of these species shows that the Kranz sheath is originated from the inner layer of the mesophyll, the foliar endodermis. A discussion about the literature terms used to describe the Kranz sheath, all of them referring to the function of this layer in C4 photosynthesis, demonstrates the importance of using terms that inform the ontogenetic origin of this layer, such as endodermis and perycicle. The ultrastructural analysis identified possible factors that interfere on the C4 photosynthesis of both species, such as wall thickening and composition of Kranz sheath cells, the centripetal position of chloroplasts and the peripheral reticulum in chloroplasts. Although biochemical analysis has resulted in no conclusive information, the chloroplast dimorphism suggests the NADP-ME C4 photosynthesis. This work, in a general way, contributes to the knowledge of the Kranz syndrome among Amaranthaceae s.s., a group that has the ultrastructure and the biochemistry of C4 photosynthesis poorly known. It also draws attention to the importance of anatomical surveys concerning the ontogenetic origin of Kranz sheath for a better understanding on the diversity of Kranz syndrome among Angiosperms.

A concentração de CO2 na atmosfera tem aumentado progressivamente nos últimos anos. Este aumento é atribuído em sua maior parte à ação humana e à atividades como mudanças no uso da terra, desflorestamento e uso de combustíveis fósseis. É previsto que as mudanças do clima decorrentes desse aumento do CO2 irão impactar de forma significativa na agricultura. A cana-de-açúcar é uma planta de grande importância na economia mundial devido ao seu uso na indústria sucroalcoleira. Neste sentido, conhecer como o aumento de CO2 irá impactar nesta cultura é de importância estratégica para o país e para o mundo. Experimentos com cana-de-açúcar cultivada em elevado CO2 têm demonstrado aumento na taxa de fotossíntese, biomassa e no conteúdo de sacarose. Especula-se que a maior taxa de fotossíntese observada nesses experimentos é regulada por meio da taxa de transporte de elétrons, uma vez que genes relacionados a este processo foram observados com maior expressão em alto CO2. No entanto, os mecanismos que envolvem este processo ainda são desconhecidos. Com o objetivo de compreender os mecanismos envolvidos na regulação e funcionamento da fotossíntese em cana-de-açúcar, este trabalho apresenta dados sobre o ciclo diário de fotossíntese e carboidratos não estruturais, bem como dados fisiológicos, bioquímicos e de expressão gênica de plantas cultivadas em atmosfera enriquecida de CO2. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a regulação da fotossíntese em alto CO2 é dada pela manutenção do crescimento que esta condição proporciona às plantas, uma vez que o cultivo no vaso limita o crescimento na raiz e leva a um possível déficit hídrico. Genes e proteínas relacionados direta ou indiretamente ao processo de transporte de elétrons foram encontrados com expressão diferencial, corroborando os dados obtidos nas medidas in vivo. Por outro lado, os dados mostram pouca variação no sistema de captação de CO2, indicando que a principal regulação da fotossíntese em cana-de-açúcar ocorre por meio do sistema de captura de luz. Foram observados proteínas e genes relacionados com o conteúdo de açúcares e com o crescimento, que podem ser pontos importantes de regulação da fotossíntese em cana-de-açúcar. Com os dados obtidos foi possível inferir que o aumento do CO2 na atmosfera irá beneficiar as plantas de cana-de-açúcar, sendo que pontos de regulação descritos neste trabalho têm potencial de utilização como ferramentas que auxiliem na determinação de cultivares mais produtivos. / The atmospheric CO2 concentration has been increasing progressively along the last years. This increase is attributed mainly to humans action and to land use changes, deforestation and fossil fuel burning. Is it predicted that the global climate changes resulting from CO2 increase will impact significantly agriculture. Sugarcane is very important for worlds economy due to its use for sugar and alcohol industry. In this way, the knowledge of how sugarcane will respond at elevated CO2 is important to design strategies for biofuel production and use in Brazil and in the world. In experiments with sugarcane grown under elevated CO2 sugarcane plants have shown an increase in photosynthesis, biomass and sucrose content. It was then speculated that the higher photosynthesis observed in these experiments might be regulated by electron transport rates, since genes related to this process were observed with higher expression in elevated CO2. However, the mechanisms that are related with this process are still unknown. The aim of this thesis was to understand the mechanisms related in the regulation and functioning of photosynthesis in sugarcane in elevated CO2. This work presents data about diurnal cycle of photosynthesis and non structural carbohydrates, physiology, biochemistry and gene expression. The results show that photosynthesis regulation in elevated CO2 is linked with the plant growth that remains under these conditions, since the pots cause roots growth limitations and leads a possibly water deficit. Genes and proteins were found that are related directly or indirectly to electron transport process as seen from differential expression. This corroborates the data obtained from in vivo measurements. On the other hand, our data show little variation in CO2 capture system, indicating that the mainly regulations of photosynthesis in sugarcane occurs due changes in light capture system. Proteins and genes have been observed that associated with sugar content and growth. These might be key for understanding regulation of photosynthesis in sugarcane. With the data obtained it is possible to speculate that elevation of CO2 will benefit the sugarcane plants in the future. Also, the regulation points described in this work have potential to be used as tools to help finding more productive cultivars.

Les objectifs de ce travail étaient d’approfondir les connaissances sur les capacités d’adaptation des diatomées à différentes concentrations de CO2 et plus précisément sur l’implication des CCM dans l’assimilation du carbone minéral dissous. Des études sur la physiologie, les enzymes de différentes voies métaboliques et des analyses de transcriptomique et de protéomique ont été réalisées. Nous avons observé que les espèces de diatomées étudiées étaient capables de réguler leurs systèmes de concentration du carbone minéral suivant les conditions environnementales. Certaines semblent utiliser préférentiellement le CO2 ou le bicarbonate tandis que d’autres espèces utilisent les deux. L’activité des anhydrases carbonique est fortement induite en faible concentration de CO2. Nos travaux montrent cependant, que l’activité de cette enzyme est variable d’une espèce à l’autre. Nous avons aussi observé que dans la majorité des diatomées que nous avons étudiées, la photosynthèse de type C3 et non de type C4 est présente, apportant ainsi un éclairage à une véritable controverse sur le métabolisme du carbone chez les diatomées. Nos travaux soulignent de plus, une grande diversité de stratégies de CCM chez les diatomées. Chez T. pseudonana, une nouvelle protéine, LCIP63, a été observée en conditions de faible concentration de CO2. Son rôle physiologique est actuellement inconnu ouvrant de nouvelles perspectives de recherche. / The objectives of this work were to improve the knowledge on ability of diatoms to scope with different CO2 concentrations and to study their carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCM). Studies of their physiology, their metabolic enzymes, and analyses at transcriptomic and proteomic levels were performed. In all studied diatoms, the CCMs can be regulated according to CO2 availability in the environment. Some diatoms seem to use preferentially CO2, others, bicarbonate and some can use both. The carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity is strongly induced when cells were grown at low vs high CO2. However, our work shows that CA activity is highly variable among the different diatoms. Most of the studied diatoms perform a C3 photosynthesis and not C4 photosynthesis. In diatoms, there is a huge diversity in the CCM strategy. A new protein, LCIP63, was observed when T. pseudonana was grown under low CO2. The physiological role of this protein is yet unknown and this finding opens new research perspectives.

A concentração de CO2 na atmosfera tem aumentado progressivamente nos últimos anos. Este aumento é atribuído em sua maior parte à ação humana e à atividades como mudanças no uso da terra, desflorestamento e uso de combustíveis fósseis. É previsto que as mudanças do clima decorrentes desse aumento do CO2 irão impactar de forma significativa na agricultura. A cana-de-açúcar é uma planta de grande importância na economia mundial devido ao seu uso na indústria sucroalcoleira. Neste sentido, conhecer como o aumento de CO2 irá impactar nesta cultura é de importância estratégica para o país e para o mundo. Experimentos com cana-de-açúcar cultivada em elevado CO2 têm demonstrado aumento na taxa de fotossíntese, biomassa e no conteúdo de sacarose. Especula-se que a maior taxa de fotossíntese observada nesses experimentos é regulada por meio da taxa de transporte de elétrons, uma vez que genes relacionados a este processo foram observados com maior expressão em alto CO2. No entanto, os mecanismos que envolvem este processo ainda são desconhecidos. Com o objetivo de compreender os mecanismos envolvidos na regulação e funcionamento da fotossíntese em cana-de-açúcar, este trabalho apresenta dados sobre o ciclo diário de fotossíntese e carboidratos não estruturais, bem como dados fisiológicos, bioquímicos e de expressão gênica de plantas cultivadas em atmosfera enriquecida de CO2. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a regulação da fotossíntese em alto CO2 é dada pela manutenção do crescimento que esta condição proporciona às plantas, uma vez que o cultivo no vaso limita o crescimento na raiz e leva a um possível déficit hídrico. Genes e proteínas relacionados direta ou indiretamente ao processo de transporte de elétrons foram encontrados com expressão diferencial, corroborando os dados obtidos nas medidas in vivo. Por outro lado, os dados mostram pouca variação no sistema de captação de CO2, indicando que a principal regulação da fotossíntese em cana-de-açúcar ocorre por meio do sistema de captura de luz. Foram observados proteínas e genes relacionados com o conteúdo de açúcares e com o crescimento, que podem ser pontos importantes de regulação da fotossíntese em cana-de-açúcar. Com os dados obtidos foi possível inferir que o aumento do CO2 na atmosfera irá beneficiar as plantas de cana-de-açúcar, sendo que pontos de regulação descritos neste trabalho têm potencial de utilização como ferramentas que auxiliem na determinação de cultivares mais produtivos. / The atmospheric CO2 concentration has been increasing progressively along the last years. This increase is attributed mainly to humans action and to land use changes, deforestation and fossil fuel burning. Is it predicted that the global climate changes resulting from CO2 increase will impact significantly agriculture. Sugarcane is very important for worlds economy due to its use for sugar and alcohol industry. In this way, the knowledge of how sugarcane will respond at elevated CO2 is important to design strategies for biofuel production and use in Brazil and in the world. In experiments with sugarcane grown under elevated CO2 sugarcane plants have shown an increase in photosynthesis, biomass and sucrose content. It was then speculated that the higher photosynthesis observed in these experiments might be regulated by electron transport rates, since genes related to this process were observed with higher expression in elevated CO2. However, the mechanisms that are related with this process are still unknown. The aim of this thesis was to understand the mechanisms related in the regulation and functioning of photosynthesis in sugarcane in elevated CO2. This work presents data about diurnal cycle of photosynthesis and non structural carbohydrates, physiology, biochemistry and gene expression. The results show that photosynthesis regulation in elevated CO2 is linked with the plant growth that remains under these conditions, since the pots cause roots growth limitations and leads a possibly water deficit. Genes and proteins were found that are related directly or indirectly to electron transport process as seen from differential expression. This corroborates the data obtained from in vivo measurements. On the other hand, our data show little variation in CO2 capture system, indicating that the mainly regulations of photosynthesis in sugarcane occurs due changes in light capture system. Proteins and genes have been observed that associated with sugar content and growth. These might be key for understanding regulation of photosynthesis in sugarcane. With the data obtained it is possible to speculate that elevation of CO2 will benefit the sugarcane plants in the future. Also, the regulation points described in this work have potential to be used as tools to help finding more productive cultivars.