C3 And C4 Pathways - Steps, Differences And FAQ
What Is Photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the process through which plants convert light energy to chemical energy in the form of glucose. This can happen through different pathways, mainly the C3 and C4 pathways. Knowing what makes the two different plays a key role in the NEET exam, as these adaptations by plants to different environmental conditions are brought out. difference between C3 and C4 Plants
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C3 and C4 plants are fundamentally very different in photosynthetic pathways, adaptations, and environmental preferences. Differences between C3 and C4 Plants are explained herein in detail.
C3 Vs C4 Plants
| Feature | C3 Plants | C4 Plants |
|---|---|---|
| Photosynthesis Pathway | C3 pathway (Calvin cycle) | C4 pathway (Hatch-Slack pathway) |
| First Stable Product | 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA) | Oxaloacetate (4-carbon compound) |
| Cell Types for Photosynthesis | Only mesophyll cells | Mesophyll and bundle sheath cells |
| Environmental Adaptation | Prefer cool, wet climates | Adapted for hot, dry conditions |
| Abundance | About 95% of green plants | About 5% of green plants |
| Anatomy | No Kranz anatomy | Has Kranz anatomy |
| Chloroplast Types | Only granal chloroplasts | Both granal and agranal chloroplasts |
| Carbon Fixation Frequency | Fixes CO2 once | Fixes CO2 twice |
| Optimal Temperature | Lower optimum temperature for photosynthesis | Higher optimum temperature for photosynthesis |
| Photorespiration | Not suppressed | Suppressed |
| Stomatal Behavior | Photosynthesis occurs only when stomata are open | Can photosynthesize even when stomata are closed |
Conclusion
The differences between the C3 and C4 pathways also bring out various adaptations of plants to their environment. Most plants of the C3 type are confined to temperate regions, while C4 plants dominate areas that are hotter and drier. These pathways are particularly important in Plant physiology and ecology for change studies in climate and agricultural practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
C3 plants are plants wherein 3-phosphoglycerate, or 3-PGA, a 3-carbon compound, is the initial product of photosynthesis.
C4 plants are plants that use the C4 photosynthetic pathway to produce a 4-carbon compound, namely oxaloacetate.
C3 plants are usually found in cool and wet environments such as temperate climates.
C4 plants have a specialized leaf anatomy called Kranz anatomy, which provides higher efficiency in carbon fixation.
In C3 plants, photorespiration is not suppressed; the fixed carbon is wasted in this process, and thus photosynthetic efficiency decreases.
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