CAM pathway is the water-conserving process of carbon fixation.
CAM pathway is the water-conserving process of carbon fixation.
CAM Pathway
The biochemical process responsible for carbon fixation is photosynthesis, specifically the Calvin cycle. During this process, carbon dioxide is converted into carbohydrates by utilizing energy from sunlight and enzymes found in plant cells. This pathway is essential for plants to build organic molecules needed for growth and survival.
Water vapor is released back into the atmosphere through the process of evaporation. Carbon is released back into the atmosphere through the process of respiration and combustion. Nitrogen is released back into the atmosphere through the process of nitrogen fixation by bacteria.
In photosynthesis, plants use the energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process involves a series of enzymatic reactions in chloroplasts, where carbon dioxide is reduced and incorporated into organic compounds through the Calvin cycle. This synthesis of organic compounds provides energy for the plant and serves as the basis for the food chain.
CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) plants, such as cacti and succulents, save water by converting carbon dioxide into a special carbon compound (malate) during the night through a process known as carbon fixation. This allows them to close their stomata during the day to minimize water loss while still being able to photosynthesize efficiently.
The carbon atoms come from the Ribulose biphosphate and CO2 fixation. The oxygen also comes from CO2 fixation. The hydrogen comes from the oxidation of NADPH (which was produced in the light-dependent reaction)
C3 Photosynthetic pathways are the carbon fixation pathways used by cacti and other such desert plants. In this type of carbon fixation pathway there are 3 initial products that contain 3-carbon compounds.
Photosynthesis is the process that produces water, carbon dioxide and energy.
This reaction called carbon fixation needs the following: NAD(H) ATP (Energy) Water Carbon Dioxide
The least common type of carbon fixation in plants located in arid environments is C3 photosynthesis. While C3 plants are widespread, they are less efficient in hot and dry conditions due to increased photorespiration and water loss. In contrast, C4 and CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) pathways have evolved in many arid-adapted plants to minimize water loss and enhance carbon fixation efficiency under stress conditions.
We will be conserving water all summer long.