The N-use efficiency for photosynthesis was higher in a C(4) plant, maize, than in a C(3) plant, rice, including rbcS antisense rice with optimal ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) content for CO(2)-saturated photosynthesis, even when photosynthesis was measured under saturating CO(2) conditions. The N cost for the C(4) cycle enzymes in maize was not large, and the lower amount of Rubisco allowed a greater N investment in the thylakoid components. This greater content of the thylakoid components as well as the CO(2) concentrating mechanism may support higher N-use efficiency for photosynthesis in maize.