Photosynthesis Pathways and Efficiency
12th Grade · Science · 30 min
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Learning Objective
I can evaluate the efficiency of different photosynthetic pathways in diverse environmental conditions.
- 1
The three main photosynthetic pathways are C3, C4, and CAM, each adapted to different environmental conditions.
- 2
C4 photosynthesis minimizes photorespiration by spatially separating initial CO₂ fixation and the Calvin cycle, making it more efficient in hot, dry environments.
- 3
CAM photosynthesis separates CO₂ fixation and the Calvin cycle temporally, opening stomata at night to conserve water, but resulting in slower growth compared to C3 and C4 plants.