Photosynthesis in Dry Environments

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Questions and Answers

What is the goal of scientists trying to teach old crops new tricks?

To make crops more resistant to pests

To make crops more tolerant to hot and dry conditions (correct)

To make crops grow in different seasons

To make crops grow faster

What is unique about orchids and agaves that allows them to thrive in hot and dry conditions?

They have adapted to hack photosynthesis (correct)

They have thicker leaves to conserve water

They have larger roots to absorb more water

They have deeper roots to reach groundwater

What is the predicted effect of climate change on farmland?

It will have no impact on farmland

It will only affect certain regions

It will make farmland less productive (correct)

It will make farmland more productive

What is the target of scientists trying to improve crop yields?

Photosynthesis and water usage Signup and view all the answers

What is the dilemma that plants face in dry or hot environments?

They need to let carbon dioxide in while keeping water out Signup and view all the answers

What is the predicted increase in crop yields if scientists are successful?

50 percent or more Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge that climate change poses to food production?

Producing crops in harsher conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the projected population that the world will need to feed by the end of the century?

10 billion Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk of water loss in plants adapted to dry environments?

Both water loss and inefficient photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the 'light reactions' stage in photosynthesis?

To create energy-storing molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the enzyme that grabs carbon dioxide in the 'dark reactions' stage?

Rubisco Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for plants that make a three-carbon molecule in one of the first steps of photosynthesis?

C3 plants Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the pores in a leaf close to prevent water loss?

The concentration of CO2 inside the leaf decreases Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of plants that use the C3 photosynthesis pathway?

85% Signup and view all the answers

Why do plants in dry environments have fleshy leaves?

To conserve water Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of rubisco's inability to function efficiently in hot temperatures?

Gumming up the works of photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scientists' Goal to Improve Crop Resilience

Scientists are trying to engineer crops to thrive in harsher conditions, using secrets from plants like pineapples, orchids, and agaves that have adapted to hot and dry environments.
The goal is to enable crops like rice and wheat to be grown in lands that are currently unsuitable for farming, potentially increasing crop yields by 50% or more.

Challenges of Climate Change

Climate change is predicted to cause more droughts and reduce farmland productivity.
The global population is expected to increase from 8 billion to 10 billion by the end of the century, making it essential to find solutions to mitigate climate change.

Photosynthesis and Its Limitations

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants grow, using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce sugars and molecules.
In dry or hot environments, plants face a dilemma: opening pores to let in carbon dioxide also leads to water loss.
Traditional crop improvements have focused on traits like plant size, pest resistance, and growing season, but recent efforts have targeted photosynthesis.

Water-Saving Traits in Drought-Adapted Plants

Plants adapted to dry environments, such as orchids, pineapple, agave, and sedum, have evolved water-saving traits, including fleshy leaves.
These plants have also modified photosynthesis to minimize water loss.

Stages of Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis occurs in two main stages: the "light reactions" and the "dark reactions".
The "light reactions" capture photons from the sun to create energy-storing molecules, while the "dark reactions" use this energy to convert carbon dioxide into simple sugars.

C3 Plants and Their Limitations

Most plants, including major food crops like rice, wheat, and soybeans, are C3 plants, which make a three-carbon molecule in the first step of photosynthesis.
In these plants, both stages of photosynthesis occur simultaneously, making them vulnerable to water loss and reduced photosynthesis in hot and dry conditions.

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Description

Learn how plants adapted to dry environments have evolved to minimize water loss during photosynthesis. Discover the unique traits of plants like agave, orchids, and pineapple.