βοΈ Photosynthesis is the process in which plants use to turn light, carbon dioxide, and water into sugars that fuel plant growth
π± π¨3οΈβ£ 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.
ποΈ Some plants have evolved another form of photosynthesis to help reduce these losses in hot and dry environments.
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π±π¨4οΈβ£ In C4 photosynthesis, where a four-carbon compound is produced, unique leaf anatomy allows carbon dioxide to concentrate in ‘bundle sheath’ cells around Rubisco.
π½ C4 plants – including maize, sugarcane, and sorghum – avoid photorespiration by using PEP enzyme during the first step of carbon fixation.
π¬ 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.
π· 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 SΕota (Business Development π| R&D π¬| Biotechnologist π| Biologist π±| Doctor of Medical Science π | Content creator βοΈ| Science communicator π£οΈ)
