9. Give comparison between the following:
(a) and pathways
C3 Pathway | C4 Pathway |
There are plants in which the first stable product after the carbon assimilation is a 3-carbon molecule i.e. 3-phosphoglyceric acid. These plants are called C3 plants while the pathway for carbon assimilation in them is called the C3 pathway. |
In the plants found in tropical areas, the first stable product after carbon assimilation is a 4-carbon molecule or oxaloacetate acid instead of a 3-carbon compound. These plants are called C4 plants and the pathway of carbon fixation is called the C4 pathway. |
The cells involved are mesophyll cells | The cells involved are mesophyll cells and bundle sheath cells |
It is seen in all photosynthetic plants. |
It is seen in tropical plants |
The enzyme involved is RuBP carboxylase. |
The enzyme involved: In mesophyll cells is PEP carboxylase. |