Capturing the sun’s energy in an efficient way

β˜€οΈ Photosynthesis is the process in which plants use to turn light, carbon dioxide, and water into sugars that fuel plant growth

🌱 πŸ‡¨3️⃣ The majority of plant species undergo C3 photosynthesis, in which the first carbon compound produced contains three carbon atoms.

However, this process is hindered by the following events:
-> Rubisco enzyme aims to fix CO2, but can also fix oxygen molecules, which creates a toxic two-carbon compound in a process called photorespiration.
-> When stomata are open to let CO2 in, they are prone to water vapor loss, which is a huge disadvantage in drought and high-temperature environments.

🏜️ Some plants have evolved another form of photosynthesis to help reduce these losses in hot and dry environments.

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πŸŒ±πŸ‡¨4️⃣ In C4 photosynthesis, where a four-carbon compound is produced, unique leaf anatomy allows carbon dioxide to concentrate in ‘bundle sheath’ cells around Rubisco.

🌽 C4 plants – including maize, sugarcane, and sorghum – avoid photorespiration by using PEP enzyme during the first step of carbon fixation.

πŸ”¬ Specific anatomy of C4 plant leaves enables the delivery of CO2 straight to Rubisco, effectively removing its contact with oxygen and the need for photorespiration.

πŸ“· Image: Comparison of C3 and C4 plants (source: K. Meacham-Hensold, University of Illinois, plant anatomy drawings by Ninghui Shi; image design byΒ Content Farmers).

Article by : MichaΕ‚ SΕ‚ota (Business Development 🌍| R&D πŸ”¬| Biotechnologist πŸ“Š| Biologist 🌱| Doctor of Medical Science πŸŽ“ | Content creator ✏️| Science communicator πŸ—£οΈ)

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