Mobilization of Respiratory Metabolism in Potato Tubers by Carbon Dioxide

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Abstract
Applying high concentrations of CO2 to whole potato tubers stimulated a rapid and pronounced respiratory gas exchange, which persisted for a prolonged time. The upsurge in respiration was proportional to the applied CO2 concentrations and was augmented by high O2 levels. Tests using whole potatoes or potato tissue slices from tubers previously treated with CO2 indicated that the rapid CO2-induced respiration is sensitive to cyanide during the first 24 h of CO2 application. The respiratory rise cannot be attributed to the emergence of a cyanide-resistant alternative electron transport pathway, although prolonged applications of CO2, up to 72 h, led to a gradual development of the pathway. CO2-stimulated respiration was accompanied by a pronounced decline in the content of starch and G-6-P, suggesting an active utilization of respiratory substrates. The ATP content in the CO2-treated potatoes increased markedly, resembling similar increases in tissues undergoing respiratory upsurge.