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Chapter 8: Problem 31

How do desert plants prevent water loss from the heat, which would compromise photosynthesis? a. by using CAM photosynthesis and by closing stomatal pores during the night b. by using CAM photosynthesis and by opening of stomatal pores during the night c. by using CAM photosynthesis and by keeping stomatal pores closed at all times d. by bypassing CAM photosynthesis and by keeping stomatal pores closed at night

Short Answer

Expert verified
Option b. CAM photosynthesis involves opening stomata at night to conserve water.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding CAM Photosynthesis

Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis is a carbon fixation pathway that evolved in some plants as an adaptation to arid conditions.
02

Stomatal Pores Function

Stomata are pores found on the surface of leaves that allow gas exchange. By opening and closing their stomata, plants control water loss and gas exchange.
03

CAM Photosynthesis Mechanism

Plants utilizing CAM photosynthesis open their stomatal pores at night to take in carbon dioxide and close them during the day to reduce water loss.
04

Key to Water Conservation

By closing stomatal pores during the day, CAM plants minimize water evaporation in the hot daytime conditions while still conducting photosynthesis.
05

Reviewing Options

Analyze the options provided: a) Incorrect: Stomata are closed at night in C3 and C4 plants to prevent water loss. b) Correct: CAM plants open stomatal pores during the night and close them during daylight. c) Incorrect: Stomata are not kept closed at all times. d) Incorrect: CAM plants rely on their unique photosynthetic pathway.
06

Selecting the Correct Answer

Option b is correct, as CAM photosynthesis involves the opening of stomatal pores during the night to minimize water loss.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Water Conservation in Plants
Desert plants face extreme heat and water scarcity. To survive, they have developed unique strategies to conserve water. One major strategy is called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis.
This special photosynthesis method allows plants to fix carbon dioxide at night, storing it as an acid until daylight. During the hot day, these plants keep their stomata closed to avoid water loss, while still using the stored carbon for photosynthesis.
  • CAM photosynthesis reduces water loss compared to other methods like C3 and C4 photosynthesis.
  • It ensures plants can continue photosynthesis even in the extreme heat and arid conditions of their environment.
Other strategies include minimizing leaf surface area, having deep root systems, and using reflective leaf surfaces to reduce temperature and evaporation.
Stomatal Function
Stomata are tiny pores found on the surface of plant leaves. They play a crucial role in gas exchange and water regulation. Each stoma is bordered by two guard cells that control its opening and closing.
During photosynthesis, plants need carbon dioxide, which enters through the stomata. However, whenever stomata are open, water vapor also escapes, leading to water loss.
  • In CAM plants, stomata are open at night to take in CO2 when temperatures are cooler and humidity is higher, reducing water loss.
  • During the day, stomata are closed to conserve water, allowing the plant to survive in arid conditions.
Understanding stomatal function helps us appreciate how CAM plants efficiently balance their need for carbon dioxide with their need to conserve water.
Crassulacean Acid Metabolism
Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) is a unique form of photosynthesis adapted for hot and dry environments. CAM plants, like those found in deserts, have evolved to fix carbon dioxide at night, which is then used during the day for photosynthesis.
The process works in two main stages:
  • Night: Stomata open, allowing CO2 to enter and combine with a molecule called PEP (phosphoenolpyruvate) to form malate. This malate is stored in vacuoles as malic acid.
  • Day: Stomata close to conserve water, and the malic acid is converted back to CO2, which is used in the Calvin cycle for photosynthesis.
This separation of the uptake of carbon dioxide and the actual photosynthesis process allows CAM plants to function effectively in environments where water is scarce and temperatures are high.
CAM photosynthesis is a key adaptation that enables desert plants to thrive despite harsh conditions.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Explain why X-rays and ultraviolet light wavelengths are dangerous to living tissues. a. UV and X-rays are high energy waves that penetrate the tissues and damage cells. b. UV and X-rays are low energy waves that penetrate the tissues and damage cells. c. UV and X-rays cannot penetrate tissues and thus damage the cells. d. UV and X-rays can penetrate tissues and thus do not damage the cells.

What is the function of carotenoids in photosynthesis? a. They supplement chlorophyll absorption. b. They are visible in the fall during leaf color changes. c. They absorb excess energy and dissipate it as heat. d. They limit chlorophyll absorption.

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are found throughout the eukaryotic world. They are complementary to each other because they each use products of the other process. What do the two pathways share? a. chloroplasts and mitochondria b. Photosystems I and II c. the cytochrome complex d. thylakoids

What is the overall outcome of the light reactions in photosynthesis? a. NADPH and ATP molecules are produced during the light reactions and are used to power the light independent reactions. b. NADPH and ATP molecules are produced during the light reactions, which are used to power the light dependent reactions. c. Sugar and ATP are produced during the light reactions, which are used to power the light independent reactions. d. Carbon dioxide and NADPH are produced during the light reactions, which are used to power the light dependent reactions.

What can be calculated from a wavelength measurement of light? a. a specific portion of the visible spectrum b. color intensity c. the amount of energy of a wave of light d. the distance from trough to crest of the wave
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