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Multiple Choice
Which of the following diagrams best represents the leaf anatomy of a C3 plant?
A
A leaf cross-section with loosely arranged mesophyll cells and no distinct bundle sheath layer around the vascular bundles.
B
A leaf cross-section with tightly packed mesophyll cells and a prominent bundle sheath layer surrounding the vascular bundles.
C
A leaf cross-section showing large air spaces and Kranz anatomy.
D
A leaf cross-section with multiple layers of palisade mesophyll and thick cuticle.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the characteristics of C3 plants: C3 plants are the most common type of plants that use the Calvin cycle for carbon fixation. They do not have specialized adaptations for minimizing photorespiration, unlike C4 plants. Their leaf anatomy reflects this.
Recall the structure of a typical C3 plant leaf: In C3 plants, the mesophyll cells are loosely arranged to allow for gas exchange, and there is no distinct bundle sheath layer surrounding the vascular bundles. This is different from C4 plants, which have Kranz anatomy with tightly packed bundle sheath cells.
Eliminate options that do not match C3 plant anatomy: For example, options describing Kranz anatomy or prominent bundle sheath layers are characteristic of C4 plants, not C3 plants. Similarly, options with multiple layers of palisade mesophyll or thick cuticles are not typical of C3 plants.
Focus on the correct description: The correct diagram should show loosely arranged mesophyll cells and no distinct bundle sheath layer around the vascular bundles, as this matches the anatomy of a C3 plant.
Select the correct answer: Based on the analysis, the diagram that best represents the leaf anatomy of a C3 plant is the one with loosely arranged mesophyll cells and no distinct bundle sheath layer around the vascular bundles.