C4 Plants By The C4 Group!

Overview C4 refers to the mechanism used to overcome the desire of the first enzyme in the Calvin Cycle (RuBisCO) to photorespirate (break down carbon compounds to CO 2 using oxygen). C4 refers to the mechanism used to overcome the desire of the first enzyme in the Calvin Cycle (RuBisCO) to photorespirate (break down carbon compounds to CO 2 using oxygen). Is more complicated and therefore believed to be an evolutional step up from C3 carbon fixation. Is more complicated and therefore believed to be an evolutional step up from C3 carbon fixation.

How they Differ C4 plants differ from normal photosynthetic plants because they separate the RuBisCO from oxygen. In C4 the light independent reactions occur in a bundle sheath.

How C4 cells work In C4 cells the desire for RuBisCO to photorespirate is overcame by the addition of PEP Carboxylaze into the plant cell. In C4 cells the desire for RuBisCO to photorespirate is overcame by the addition of PEP Carboxylaze into the plant cell. PEP Carboxylaze has a higher affinity for carbon dioxide than does RuBisCO therefore the carbon dioxide is attracted to the PEP and converted into oxaloacetone. PEP Carboxylaze has a higher affinity for carbon dioxide than does RuBisCO therefore the carbon dioxide is attracted to the PEP and converted into oxaloacetone. The compartmentalism of C4 plant cells occurs in an attempt to keep the oxygen away from the Calvin cycle. The compartmentalism of C4 plant cells occurs in an attempt to keep the oxygen away from the Calvin cycle.

Advantages C4 plants prosper in environments where there is high competition for Carbon Dioxide because it is highly efficient in using carbon dioxide compared to C3. C4 plants prosper in environments where there is high competition for Carbon Dioxide because it is highly efficient in using carbon dioxide compared to C3. This efficiency also factors in during times of drought and high temperatures. This efficiency also factors in during times of drought and high temperatures. Cross-Section of C4 Plant Leaf

Limitations The C4 process requires much more energy than the C3 process does. The C4 process requires much more energy than the C3 process does. Creates much more sugar than C3 plants. Creates much more sugar than C3 plants.

Examples Sugarcane Sugarcane Maize Maize Sorghum Sorghum Finger Millet Finger Millet Amaranth Amaranth Switchgrass Switchgrass

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