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The C4 Pathway

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Estimated time: 3 minutes
CBSE: Class 12

Key Points: The C4 Pathway

  • C₄ pathway (Hatch and Slack pathway) occurs in plants like maize and sugarcane, which are adapted to high temperature and dry conditions.
  • C₄ plants show Kranz anatomy, where bundle sheath cells surround vascular bundles and contain many chloroplasts.
  • The primary CO₂ acceptor is PEP (3-carbon compound), and CO₂ fixation in mesophyll cells is done by PEP carboxylase, forming oxaloacetic acid (OAA).
  • OAA is converted into malic acid or aspartic acid (4-carbon compounds) and transported to bundle sheath cells.
  • In bundle sheath cells, these compounds release CO₂, which enters the Calvin cycle (C₃ cycle); RuBisCO is present only here.
  • The remaining 3-carbon compound returns to mesophyll cells and is converted back to PEP, completing the cycle.
  • C₄ plants do not show photorespiration, have higher productivity, and perform better under high light intensity.

Shaalaa.com | Photosynthesis in Higher Plants Part 22 (Hatch and Slack Pathway)

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Photosynthesis in Higher Plants Part 22 (Hatch and Slack Pathway) [00:14:21]
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