Question
Biology Question on Photosynthesis in higher plants
Which one is a C4-plant?
A
papaya
B
pea
C
potato
D
maize/corn
Answer
maize/corn
Explanation
Solution
For a long time, Calvin cycle (C3 cycle) was considered to be the only photosynthetic pathway for reduction of CO2, into carbohydrates. M.D. Hatch and Slack reported that a 4-C compound oxaloacetic acid (OAA) is the first stable product in CO2, reduction process. This led to an alternative pathway of CO2, fixation which is known as Hatch and Slack's cycle or C4 cycle. It occurs in sugarcane, maize etc. These C4 plants have a characteristic leaf anatomy called Kranz anatomy.