C3 PLANTS

use only the calvin-benson cycle

mesophyll cells

used by most plants, but inefficient in dry weather — when stomata are closed

tropical climates

round-shaped

Photorespiration

rubisco attaches to oxygen instead of carbon

CO2 is produced rather than fixed

C4 Plants

have extra set of reactions for sugar production on dry days, when stomata are closed

compensates for inefficiency of rubisco

has a special type of leaf anatomy

elongated

rubisco attaches to carbon dioxide

CAM Plants (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism)

to conserve water in climates where days are hot

can survive in inhospitable climates

advantageous for succulents, cacti — low maintenance

Stomata open at night, therefore photosynthesis is possible the next day

 KEY CONCEPTS (MAKING SUGARS)

the second stage is the “synthesis” part of photosynthesis

sugars are assembled from CO2

the reactions use ATP and NADPH

reactions vary among organisms

DIFFERENT FOOD SOURCES

● Autotrophs: make their own food

● Heterotrophs: get from those assembled by other organisms

● Chemoautotrophs: extract energy from molecules in the environment

● Photoautotrophs: use photosynthesis to make food

EFFECTS OF ATMOSPHERIC OXYGEN

Selection pressure on evolution of life

- oxygen radicals

Development of ATP-forming reactions

- aerobic respiration

Formation of ozone (O3) layer

- protection from UV radiation

“photosynthesis is important in decreasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is why it is

recommended to plant”