Question

Identify the correct statement (s) in relation to C4 photosynthesis

• A. Kranz anatomy is an essential feature for C4 plants
• B. C4 plants have higher water use efficiency than C3 plants
• C. Photrespiration can be minimized when C4 pathway is in operation
• D. Conversion of oxaloacetate to malate occurs in the bundle sheath cells

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

$C_4$ plants show kranz type of anatomy. In kranz anatomy, the mesophyll is undifferentiated and its bundle sheath cells occur in concentric layers around vascular bundles. First stable product in $C_4$ plant is $OAA$ (oxaloacetic acid). $OAA$ is reduced to malic acid in mesophyll cells. There is little loss of photosynthetic activity on account of photorespiration as it is absent in $C_4$ plants. In $C_4$ plants, photosynthesis is appreciable even under water stress