Photosynthetic Pathway Questions and Answers

What is the process of separating carbon dioxide uptake from the Calvin cycle in photosynthesis?

a. Both C3 and C4 photosynthetic pathway

b. CAM pathway

c. C4 photosynthetic pathway

d. C3 photosynthetic pathway

Answer:

The process of separating carbon dioxide uptake from the Calvin cycle in photosynthesis is characterized by the temporal separation in the:

c. C4 photosynthetic pathway

Plants have evolved different photosynthetic pathways to adapt to various environmental conditions. The C4 photosynthetic pathway is one such adaptation that allows for more efficient carbon fixation and water conservation in hot and dry environments. This pathway involves the separation of carbon dioxide uptake from the Calvin cycle, leading to enhanced photosynthetic performance.

In the C4 photosynthetic pathway, the initial fixation of carbon dioxide occurs in mesophyll cells, which are then transported to bundle sheath cells where the Calvin cycle takes place. This spatial separation of the two processes helps in optimizing the efficiency of carbon fixation and reducing water loss through transpiration.

Overall, understanding the different photosynthetic pathways can provide valuable insights into plant biology and how plants have evolved to thrive in diverse ecological settings.