15 Questions
What is the main difference between how CAM plants and non-CAM plants create energy?
CAM plants break down CO2 on a time delay
What happens to water in plants during the day in hot, dry climates?
Water is evaporated into the surrounding air
Why do CAM plants open their stomata at night?
To absorb CO2
What is the result of the delayed CO2 release in CAM plants?
Slower growth rate
What is the percentage of all plants that use the Crassulacean acid metabolism method?
8%
What type of plants are likely to use the CAM method?
Plants in hot, dry climates
Which of the following plants is an example of a CAM plant?
Pineapple
Why do CAM plants tend to be small?
Because they grow slowly
What is the primary issue that plants face in hot, dry environments?
Retaining water
What is the purpose of opening stomata in plants during the day?
To let in carbon dioxide
What is unique about the way CAM plants absorb carbon dioxide?
They absorb it at night
What is the name of the process by which CAM plants store carbon dioxide?
Crassulacean acid metabolism
What is the characteristic of CAM plant leaves or stalks?
They are thick and waxy
What can be observed if you eat the leaves of a CAM plant in the morning?
A sour taste
What is the origin of the 'Crassulacean' part of 'Crassulacean acid metabolism'?
It was discovered in a specific type of plant
Study Notes
Photosynthesis and Water Loss
- In hot and dry environments, plants face a major problem of water loss when they open their stomata to absorb CO2 for photosynthesis.
- This is because water can escape through the open stomata, which is a big problem in water-scarce environments.
Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM)
- CAM is a modified version of photosynthesis that helps plants conserve water in hot and dry environments.
- CAM plants open their stomata at night, absorb CO2, and convert it into malic acid, which is stored in their leaves or stalks.
How CAM Works
- During the day, CAM plants break down the malic acid into CO2, which is then used for photosynthesis.
- This process allows CAM plants to conserve water by avoiding water loss through open stomata during the day.
Water Conservation
- In CAM plants, stomata are open at night, when the air is more humid, and closed during the day, when the air is dry, to minimize water loss through osmosis.
Characteristics of CAM Plants
- CAM plants grow slowly due to the delayed CO2 release, which reduces their energy production.
- About 8% of all plants use CAM, including species of cacti, agave, Spanish moss, orchids, and pineapples.
- CAM plants are typically found in hot and dry environments where water conservation is crucial for survival.
Learn how plants adapt to conserve water in hot and dry environments during photosynthesis. Discover the unwanted side effects of photosynthesis and how plants overcome them.
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