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Identify how the function of C4 biochemistry results in an increase in WUE (water use efficiency, unit C gain per unit H20 loss) and NUE (nitrogen use efficiency, unit C gain per unit leaf N) relative to a C3 plant

Identify how the function of C4 biochemistry results in an increase in WUE (water use efficiency, unit C gain per unit H20 loss) and NUE (nitrogen use efficiency, unit C gain per unit leaf N) relative to a C3 plant

Biochemistry
Biochemistry
9th Edition
ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1P
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**Understanding C4 Biochemistry in Plants** This section focuses on explaining how the function of C4 biochemistry leads to increased efficiency in plants compared to C3 plants. **Key Concepts:** 1. **C4 Biochemistry:** - C4 plants have a unique biochemical pathway that allows them to efficiently fix carbon dioxide, even under conditions of low atmospheric CO2 concentrations and high temperatures. 2. **Water Use Efficiency (WUE):** - Definition: Water Use Efficiency (WUE) refers to the amount of carbon gained (as biomass) per unit of water lost (through transpiration). - C4 Advantage: C4 plants show higher WUE compared to C3 plants, meaning they lose less water per unit of carbon assimilated due to their specialized leaf anatomy and metabolic processes. 3. **Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE):** - Definition: Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) is the carbon gained per unit of nitrogen present in the leaf. - C4 Advantage: C4 plants also display improved NUE over C3 plants. This is because C4 plants utilize nitrogen more effectively in the process of photosynthesis, leading to enhanced growth and productivity with less nitrogen input. **Comparison: C3 vs. C4 Plants** - **C3 Plants:** - Use the Calvin cycle for the initial steps of photosynthesis, which is less efficient under high temperature and light conditions. - **C4 Plants:** - Use an additional set of reactions for carbon fixation, minimizing photorespiration and improving overall efficiency in hot and dry environments. Understanding these efficiencies and adaptations helps appreciate the evolutionary advantages of C4 plants and their role in ecosystems, particularly in terms of resource utilization and adaptation to changing climates.
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding C4 Biochemistry in Plants** This section focuses on explaining how the function of C4 biochemistry leads to increased efficiency in plants compared to C3 plants. **Key Concepts:** 1. **C4 Biochemistry:** - C4 plants have a unique biochemical pathway that allows them to efficiently fix carbon dioxide, even under conditions of low atmospheric CO2 concentrations and high temperatures. 2. **Water Use Efficiency (WUE):** - Definition: Water Use Efficiency (WUE) refers to the amount of carbon gained (as biomass) per unit of water lost (through transpiration). - C4 Advantage: C4 plants show higher WUE compared to C3 plants, meaning they lose less water per unit of carbon assimilated due to their specialized leaf anatomy and metabolic processes. 3. **Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE):** - Definition: Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) is the carbon gained per unit of nitrogen present in the leaf. - C4 Advantage: C4 plants also display improved NUE over C3 plants. This is because C4 plants utilize nitrogen more effectively in the process of photosynthesis, leading to enhanced growth and productivity with less nitrogen input. **Comparison: C3 vs. C4 Plants** - **C3 Plants:** - Use the Calvin cycle for the initial steps of photosynthesis, which is less efficient under high temperature and light conditions. - **C4 Plants:** - Use an additional set of reactions for carbon fixation, minimizing photorespiration and improving overall efficiency in hot and dry environments. Understanding these efficiencies and adaptations helps appreciate the evolutionary advantages of C4 plants and their role in ecosystems, particularly in terms of resource utilization and adaptation to changing climates.
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