QQuestionBiology
QuestionBiology
"In C^3 plants, the conservation of water promotes _____.
A. photorespiration
B. a shift to C^4 photosynthesis
C. photosynthesis
D. the opening of stomata
E. the light reactions"
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Answer
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Step 1: Understand the question and its context
The question asks us to identify which process is promoted in C^3 plants due to the conservation of water. C^3 plants are so named because the first product of carbon fixation is a three-carbon compound. They use the Calvin cycle for carbon fixation and have a slower carbon fixation rate than C^4 plants. The conservation of water can affect photosynthesis and related processes.
Step 2: Recall the effect of water conservation on photosynthesis
In plants, water conservation typically leads to reduced stomatal conductance, which in turn reduces the CO^2 supply for photosynthesis. This can have several effects on photosynthesis and related processes: - Photorespiration: It is a process that occurs when the enzyme Rubisco fixes oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, resulting in the release of previously fixed carbon. This process is generally disadvantageous for the plant as it leads to a waste of energy and resources. - C^4 photosynthesis: It is a more complex form of photosynthesis that involves two distinct carboxylation reactions. C^4 plants have a higher photosynthetic capacity and water-use efficiency than C^3 plants. - Photosynthesis: It is the process by which plants convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy that can be later released to fuel the organisms' activities. - Opening of stomata: Stomata are small pores on the leaf surface that allow gas exchange between the plant and the environment. The opening and closing of stomata are primarily controlled by turgor pressure changes in the guard cells surrounding the pore. - Light reactions: They are the initial reactions of photosynthesis, where light energy is absorbed and converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.
Final Answer
C. Photosynthesis
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