Ariane Sara S.

Panaligan S11-15
Activity: Comparing C3, C4 and CAM Photosynthesis
A. Watch the video clip Photosynthesis: Comparing C3, C4 and CAM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13h5oC4jIsk.
B. Answer the following questions:
1. In 2-3 sentences, briefly discuss what happen in each type of
photosynthesis
1.1 C3 Photosynthesis (3 pts) – Most plant around 85% of plants are C3
plants, carry out C3 photosynthesis. The name C3 has to do with type of
carbon molecule produce during the process. C3 photosynthesis occurs
in the mesophyll cell of the C3 plant, which are located just under the
surface of the leaves an others tissues. During C3 photosynthesis CO2
is taken up and transported directly to the Calvin Cycle, where it is fixed
into a 3 carbon molecule if the stomata are open, CO2 moves in, and
oxygen moves out of the cell. But under hot or dry conditions when the
stomata are closed, oxygen accumulates which inhibits the amount of
C3 that’s can be made. Some plant have evolved an adaptation that
allows them to be successful in hot, dry conditions.
1.2 C4 Photosynthesis (3 pts) – C4 photosynthesis CO2 moves into the
mesophyll cell, and is immediately fixed into a 4 carbon molecule. Thus
the name C4 photosynthesis. The anatomy of a C4 plant is different
from that of a C3 plant. A somewhat simplified version of the process in
C4 leaf, chloroplasts are located in mesophyll cell, but they are also
located in bundle sheaf cells which surround the leaf vein. CO2 moves
from the mesophyll cells, into the bundle sheaf cells, where the Calvin
cycle occurs. This shields the plants from the oxygen build-up that would
otherwise occur when the stomata are closed during dry conditions.
1.3 CAM Photosynthesis (3 pts) – The ways to addressing the problem
of oxygen is to change the timing photosynthesis. CAM photosynthesis
in many ways it is similar to C4 photosynthesis except the timing of the
process changes. During CAM photosynthesis, CO2 is taken up during
the night when the stomata are open, is fixed into a 4 carbon molecule.
It is then stored until daylight as an intermediate molecule, which gives
the CAM cycle its name. this adaptation allows photosynthesis to occur
in drier climates than in both C3 and C4 photosynthesis.

2. Identify two features of C4 plants which enable them to adapt to areas

of high light intensities, high temperatures, and limited rainfall.
Explain why these features contribute to the success of C4
plants. (4 pts)
 - In C4 plants, Rubisco capacity limits A below 20°C in chilling‐tolerant
species, but the control over A at elevated temperature remains uncertain.
The C4 photosynthesis is an adaptation of the C3 pathway that overcomes
the limitation of the photorespiration, improving photosynthetic efficiency
and minimizing the water loss in hot, dry environments (Edwards & Walker,
1983). Generally, C4 species originate from warmer climates than C3
species (Sage & Monson, 1999). Most C4 plants are native to the tropics
and warm temperate zones with high light intensity and high temperature.
Under these conditions, C4 plants exhibit higher photosynthetic and growth
rates due to gains in the water, carbon and nitrogen efficiency uses.

3. Explain why CAM plants compete well with C3 or C4 plants when the
environment the environment is extremely arid. (2 pts)
- This reduces the amount of oxygen competing with carbon dioxide for
RuBisCO. The differences allow one species to thrive in one area, but
struggle in another. The peak of productivity for C4 plants is high-light and
warm climates with summer rains while C3 plants do well in cooler, more
temperate areas.