Why Does Photorespiration Not Occur in CAM Plants?
Photorespiration is a metabolic process that occurs in plants during photosynthesis, where the Rubisco enzyme binds with oxygen instead of carbon dioxide. This leads to the production of toxic by-products and the wastage of energy. However, CAM plants have developed anatomical and physiological adaptations to avoid photorespiration. The reasons photorespiration does not occur in CAM plants are:
- CAM plants perform carbon fixation at night when stomata are open and minimize water loss. It prevents oxygen uptake, thus avoid photorespiration.
- Carbon dioxide is stored as organic acids during the night and released during the day for photosynthesis. It bypasses the need for the Calvin cycle during daylight.
- CAM plants exhibit control over stomatal openings. It allow them to conserve water during the day while still allowing gas exchange. It reduces the chance of oxygen entering and initiating photorespiration.
- CAM plants have evolved in water-limited environments, where minimizing water loss is important.
Also Read: Kranz Anatomy
Why does Photorespiration not occur in CAM Plants?
Why does Photorespiration not occur in CAM Plants?: A CAM (Crassulacean acid metabolism) plant is a type of plant that fixes carbon dioxide through the CAM pathway, which evolved in some plants to adapt to arid conditions. Let’s read why does photorespiration not occur in CAM plants.
Table of Content
- What are CAM Plants?
- What is Photorespiration?
- CO2 Uptake in CAM Plants at Night
- CO2 Release During Daytime
- Why does Photorespiration not occur in CAM Plants?
- Examples of CAM Plants
- CAM Plants and Use of Water