Differences Between C3 and C4 plants
The differences between C3 and C4 plants are as follows:
| Feature | C3 Plants | C4 Plants |
|---|---|---|
| Photosynthesis | Photosynthesis occur in mesophyll cells. | Photosynthesis occur in mesophyll and bundle sheath cells. |
|
Kranz anatomy |
Do not show Kranz anatomy |
Shows Kranz anatomy |
| Initial Fixation Enzyme | Rubisco | PEP Carboxylase in mesophyll cells |
| First Stable Product | 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA) | 4-carbon compounds (e.g., oxaloacetate) |
| Location of Calvin Cycle | Mesophyll cells | Bundle sheath cells |
| CO2 Concentration | Lower affinity for CO2; susceptible to photorespiration. | Higher affinity for CO2; less susceptible to photorespiration. |
| Environmental Adaptation | Suited to moderate temperatures and normal conditions. | Suited to hot and arid conditions; better water-use efficiency. |
| Examples | Wheat, rice, and most plants. | Maize, sugarcane, and certain grasses |
Photosynthesis in Higher Plants Class 11 Notes Chapter 11
Photosynthesis in higher plants is an important biological process for energy production. Chlorophyll pigments capture sunlight, initiating the light-dependent reactions in chloroplasts. Water molecules are split, release oxygen, and generate ATP and NADPH. In the subsequent Calvin Cycle, carbon dioxide is assimilated, producing glucose as the end product essential for plant growth and metabolism.
C3 plants use the Calvin Cycle for photosynthesis in mesophyll cells, while C4 plants separate carbon fixation and the Calvin Cycle between mesophyll and bundle sheath cells, reducing photorespiration. C4 plants are adapted to hot and arid conditions with improved water-use efficiency.
Table of Content
- Photosynthesis in Higher Plants
- Processes Of Photosynthesis in Higher Plants
- Differences Between C3 and C4 plants