Multiple Choice
Which characteristic helps C4 plants, such as grasses, survive dry conditions?
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9. Photosynthesis
C3, C4 & CAM Plants
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In which type of environment are plants most likely to use a C4 pathway of carbon fixation?
A
Temperate forests with moderate temperatures
B
Cool and moist environments with low light
C
Aquatic environments with abundant water
D
Hot and dry environments with intense sunlight
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of carbon fixation: Carbon fixation is the process by which plants convert inorganic carbon (CO2) into organic compounds. The C4 pathway is an adaptation that helps plants efficiently fix carbon under specific environmental conditions.
Learn about the C4 pathway: The C4 pathway is an alternative to the C3 pathway and is used by certain plants to minimize photorespiration. Photorespiration occurs when the enzyme RuBisCO fixes oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, which is more likely in hot and dry environments.
Recognize the environmental conditions that favor the C4 pathway: In hot and dry environments with intense sunlight, plants face challenges such as water loss and increased photorespiration. The C4 pathway helps plants overcome these challenges by concentrating CO2 in specialized cells, reducing photorespiration and improving efficiency.
Compare the given environments: Temperate forests with moderate temperatures, cool and moist environments with low light, and aquatic environments with abundant water do not present the same challenges as hot and dry environments. These conditions are more favorable for C3 plants, which do not require the specialized adaptations of the C4 pathway.
Conclude that plants are most likely to use the C4 pathway in hot and dry environments with intense sunlight, as this pathway is specifically adapted to minimize water loss and photorespiration under these conditions.
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