Photosynthesis in Cactus Plants

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants produce their food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Cactus plants also undergo photosynthesis, but in a unique way. Let's understand how photosynthesis occurs in cactus plants.

Stems are the site of photosynthesis in cactus plants

Unlike most plants, cactus plants do not have true leaves. Instead, they have modified leaves called spines that help them conserve water. As a result, photosynthesis in cactus plants occurs in their stems rather than leaves.

Cactus stems have chloroplasts

Chloroplasts are organelles in plant cells that contain chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis. Cactus stems have specialized structures called chlorenchyma cells that contain chloroplasts. These cells are responsible for carrying out photosynthesis in cactus plants.

Cactus stems undergo CAM photosynthesis

Cactus plants live in arid regions where water is scarce. To conserve water, they undergo a type of photosynthesis called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis. In this process, cactus plants keep their stomata (pores on the surface of leaves and stems) closed during the day to prevent water loss through transpiration. They open their stomata at night to take in carbon dioxide, which is stored in the form of organic acids in specialized cells. During the day, the organic acids are broken down, and carbon dioxide is released to carry out photosynthesis.

In conclusion, photosynthesis in cactus plants occurs in their stems, which have specialized cells containing chloroplasts. These plants undergo CAM photosynthesis to conserve water and survive in their arid environments.