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Multiple Choice
In CAM plants, which adaptation helps reduce water loss while still allowing carbon dioxide capture?
A
Opening stomata during the day
B
Increasing transpiration rates
C
Using C4 photosynthesis
D
Opening stomata at night
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic function of stomata: Stomata are small openings on the surface of leaves that allow for gas exchange. They play a crucial role in photosynthesis by allowing carbon dioxide (CO2) to enter the leaf while releasing oxygen (O2).
Recognize the challenge faced by plants in arid environments: In hot and dry conditions, opening stomata during the day can lead to excessive water loss through transpiration, which is the process of water vapor leaving the plant through the stomata.
Learn about CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) plants: CAM plants have adapted to arid environments by altering the timing of their stomatal opening. This adaptation helps them conserve water while still capturing CO2 for photosynthesis.
Identify the key adaptation of CAM plants: Unlike most plants that open their stomata during the day, CAM plants open their stomata at night. This allows them to capture CO2 when temperatures are cooler and humidity is higher, reducing water loss.
Understand the process of CO2 storage in CAM plants: At night, CAM plants convert the captured CO2 into an organic acid, which is stored in vacuoles. During the day, when the stomata are closed, the stored CO2 is released from the acid and used in the Calvin cycle to produce sugars.