Alternative Pathways

Other ways to fix carbon….

Most plants use the Calvin Cycle
exclusively.
Plants that fix carbon exclusively through
the Calvin Cycle are known as C3 plants
because the 3-C compound PGA is the first
compound formed.
Alternative pathways evolved for plants
that live in hot, dry climates. Under such
conditions plants can lose water to the air
through their stomata.
What are stomata?

 Stomata: small pores, usually located on the

undersurface of leaves through which CO2 enters and O2
exits. Water loss also occurs through these pores.
The C4 Pathway

 C4 plants fix CO2 into 4-C compounds.

 C4 plants have their stomata partially closed
during the hottest part of the day to keep water.
 They have a special enzyme that can fix CO2 into
4-C compounds even when CO2 levels are low.
 These compounds are then transported to other
cells where the CO2 is released and enters the
Calvin Cycle.
 Examples of C4 plants include: corn, sugar cane,
crabgrass.
The CAM Pathway

 CAM plants have a different adaptation to hot,

dry climates: they close their stomata during the
day and open them at night.
 CAM plants take in CO2 at night and fix it into a
variety of organic compounds.
 During the next day, the CO2 is released and
enters the Calvin Cycle.
 CAM plants grow slowly because of this
adaptation. Examples include: cactuses and
pineapple.