Adaptations of C4 and CAM Plants

C4 plants and CAM plants

To conserve water and prevent drying out

Through a specialized chemical pathway

<p>C4 plants capture carbon dioxide and pass it to the Calvin cycle, while CAM plants admit air into their leaves only at night</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>By combining carbon dioxide with existing molecules to produce organic acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>C4 plants have a specialized chemical pathway that allows them to capture very low levels of carbon dioxide and pass it to the Calvin cycle. CAM plants admit air into their leaves only at night and trap carbon dioxide by producing organic acids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Organic acids are produced during the night and 'trap' the carbon dioxide within the leaves. During the day, these compounds release carbon dioxide inside the leaf for carbohydrate production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Closing the small openings in the leaves helps prevent the plants from drying out. However, it also causes carbon dioxide levels within the leaves to decrease.</p> Signup and view all the answers