Desert plants have adapted to their harsh environment in various ways. One of the most unique adaptations is the ability to carry out photosynthesis at night. This process is known as Crassulacean Acid Metabolism or CAM.


CAM is a type of photosynthesis that allows plants to conserve water by opening their stomata at night when the air is cooler and more humid. During this time, the plants take in carbon dioxide and incorporate it into an organic acid. This organic acid is then stored in the plant's vacuoles until the next day.


During the day, when the sun is out and temperatures are high, the stomata of the plant remain closed to prevent water loss. The organic acid that was stored in the vacuoles during the night is then broken down to release carbon dioxide for photosynthesis to occur.


The CAM pathway allows desert plants to conserve water by reducing the amount of transpiration that occurs during the day. Additionally, the cooler and more humid nighttime air provides ideal conditions for carbon dioxide uptake. This allows the plant to efficiently use the limited resources available in the desert environment.


In summary, photosynthesis in desert plants occurs during the night through the process of Crassulacean Acid Metabolism. This adaptation allows the plant to conserve water and efficiently use available resources in their harsh environment.

In dessert plants the stomata are open at night. Theytake in CO2 at night, and is stored in the form of an intermediate (converted to an acid), and is used during the day for photosynthesis,(when the stomata are closed). Everything else is the same, exept the fact that they have chlorophyll in their stem.