Tracing xylem-transported 11C-labelled CO2 in trees: importance and contribution to the carbon metabolism

By tracing radioactive 11CO2 in xylem of trees, the contribution of internally transported CO2 will be quantitatively determined with regard to the total carbon budget. Distribution of 11CO2 will be visualized at leaf, branch and stem level using medical imaging (i.e. positron emission tomography, PET). Different tree species will be examined and subjected towards changing atmospheric conditions.