How many type of photosynthetic cells occur in C4 plant isa)One typeb)...
C4 plants have 2 types of photosynthetic cells i.e. mesophyll and bundle sheath
How many type of photosynthetic cells occur in C4 plant isa)One typeb)...
Introduction:
C4 plants are a unique group of plants that have evolved a specialized mechanism to optimize photosynthesis in hot and dry environments. They have developed a unique structural and biochemical adaptation known as the C4 pathway, which allows them to efficiently capture and concentrate carbon dioxide (CO2) around the enzyme responsible for its fixation, thus reducing photorespiration.
C4 Photosynthesis:
C4 photosynthesis involves the coordinated functioning of two types of photosynthetic cells: mesophyll cells and bundle sheath cells. These cells are responsible for different steps of the C4 pathway and work together to enhance the efficiency of CO2 fixation.
Mesophyll Cells:
Mesophyll cells are the first type of photosynthetic cells in C4 plants. They are located in the outer layers of the leaf and contain a high concentration of chloroplasts. These cells are specialized for the initial capture and fixation of CO2 into a four-carbon compound known as oxaloacetate.
Bundle Sheath Cells:
Bundle sheath cells are the second type of photosynthetic cells in C4 plants. They are located in the inner layers of the leaf, surrounding the vascular bundles. Bundle sheath cells contain fewer chloroplasts compared to mesophyll cells but are specialized for the Calvin cycle, which involves the conversion of the four-carbon compound into sugars.
Two Types of Photosynthetic Cells:
In C4 plants, there are two distinct types of photosynthetic cells: mesophyll cells and bundle sheath cells. These cells have different structural and functional characteristics that enable the C4 pathway to operate efficiently.
Role of Mesophyll Cells:
Mesophyll cells are responsible for the initial capture and fixation of CO2. They contain a high concentration of the enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEP carboxylase), which has a high affinity for CO2 and can efficiently fix it into oxaloacetate.
Role of Bundle Sheath Cells:
Bundle sheath cells are responsible for the Calvin cycle, where the four-carbon compound produced in mesophyll cells is converted into sugars. These cells are characterized by the presence of the enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), which is involved in the fixation of CO2 during the Calvin cycle.
Conclusion:
In C4 plants, there are two types of photosynthetic cells: mesophyll cells and bundle sheath cells. Mesophyll cells capture and fix CO2, while bundle sheath cells perform the Calvin cycle and convert the fixed CO2 into sugars. These two types of cells work in coordination to optimize photosynthesis and increase the efficiency of carbon fixation in C4 plants.