Multiple Choice
Which adaptation in CAM plants helps prevent water loss in desert environments?
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9. Photosynthesis
C3, C4 & CAM Plants
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Why do some plants, such as C4 and CAM plants, need to be specialized to survive in arid climates?
A
To maximize oxygen uptake from the atmosphere
B
To enhance the absorption of nitrogen from the soil
C
To increase the rate of transpiration for cooling
D
To minimize water loss while still allowing for photosynthesis
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the challenge faced by plants in arid climates: In dry environments, water is scarce, and plants must balance the need for photosynthesis with minimizing water loss. Photosynthesis requires the opening of stomata to allow carbon dioxide (CO₂) to enter, but this also leads to water loss through transpiration.
Learn about the role of stomata: Stomata are small openings on the surface of leaves that regulate gas exchange. In arid climates, plants need to limit the time their stomata are open to conserve water while still obtaining enough CO₂ for photosynthesis.
Explore the adaptations of C4 plants: C4 plants use a specialized mechanism to concentrate CO₂ in specific cells, reducing the need to keep stomata open for long periods. This adaptation minimizes water loss while maintaining efficient photosynthesis.
Understand CAM plant adaptations: CAM plants open their stomata at night when temperatures are cooler and humidity is higher, reducing water loss. They store CO₂ as an organic acid and use it for photosynthesis during the day when stomata are closed.
Recognize the purpose of these adaptations: Both C4 and CAM plants have evolved mechanisms to minimize water loss while still allowing for photosynthesis, enabling them to survive and thrive in arid climates.
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C3, C4 & CAM Plants practice set
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