C4 plants
are adapted to hot, dry climates, when their stomata
are partially closed to conserve water.
The enzyme PEP carboxylase
has a higher affinity for CO2 than
rubisco
and produces the four-carbon product oxaloacetate
in mesophyll
cells, then exported to bundle sheath
cells. This adaptation maintains a CO2 concentration in the bundle sheath that favors
photosynthesis over photorespiration.
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