Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who discovered the C4 carbon fixation pathway?
Who discovered the C4 carbon fixation pathway?
Marshall Davidson Hatch and Charles Roger Slack
What is the main carboxylating enzyme in C3 photosynthesis?
What is the main carboxylating enzyme in C3 photosynthesis?
RuBisCO
What is the toxic byproduct of RuBisCO oxygenation in C3 photosynthesis?
What is the toxic byproduct of RuBisCO oxygenation in C3 photosynthesis?
Phosphoglycolate
How does C4 photosynthesis reduce photorespiration?
How does C4 photosynthesis reduce photorespiration?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the two partially isolated compartments in C4 leaves called?
What are the two partially isolated compartments in C4 leaves called?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
C4 Carbon Fixation Pathway
- Discovered by scientists Andrew Benson and Robert Calvin.
- Offers an efficient mechanism for carbon fixation in certain plants, particularly in hot and dry environments.
Main Carboxylating Enzyme in C3 Photosynthesis
- RuBisCO (Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) is the main enzyme.
- Catalyzes the first major step of carbon fixation in C3 plants.
Toxic Byproduct of RuBisCO Oxygenation
- Produces 2-phosphoglycolate, which is considered toxic.
- This byproduct undergoes photorespiration, consuming energy and carbon, reducing photosynthetic efficiency.
Reduction of Photorespiration in C4 Photosynthesis
- C4 pathway incorporates a mechanism that concentrates carbon dioxide around RuBisCO.
- This reduces the oxygenation reaction, minimizing the production of toxic byproducts.
Compartmentalization in C4 Leaves
- C4 photosynthesis features two partially isolated compartments: mesophyll cells and bundle sheath cells.
- Mesophyll cells capture CO2 and convert it into a four-carbon compound, while bundle sheath cells perform the Calvin cycle, fixing CO2 into sugars.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of C4 carbon fixation with this quiz. Learn about the process discovered by Hatch and Slack, its significance in plant photosynthesis, and its distinction from C3 carbon fixation.
