Introduction
The C3 photosynthetic mechanism has the Calvin-Benson Cycle in which the light independent reactions can fix carbon from atmospheric CO2 to produce carbohydrates.
The C4 photosynthetic mechanism happens much faster than C3 photosynthesis because CO2 is directly delivered to RUBISCO so that it doesn't undergo photorespiration
http://wc.pima.edu/~bfiero/tucsonecology/plants/plants_photosynthesis.h…
Task
C3 photosynthetic pathway C4 photosynthetic pathway
https://www.google.ca/search?biw=1422&bih=707&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=c3+plants&oq=c3+pl&gs
Process
Species that undergo Species that undergo
C3 Photosynthesis: C4 Photosynthesis:
1. Corn 1. Cactus
2. Wheat 2. Short grasses
3. Barley 3. Sagebrush
4. Spruce tree 4. Creosote bushes
5. Pine tree 5. Aloe
6. Apple tree 6. Joshua tree
7. Maple tree 7. Ocotillo
8. Oak tree 8. Palo Verde
9. Carrots 9. Brittle Bush
10. Peas 10. Chainfruit Cholla
Evaluation
The environmental condtions that C3 plants live in have a moderate temperature and moderate light intensity, high CO2 concentration, and abundant water.
The environmental conditions that C4 plants live in haven high temperatures, intense sunlight, drought, and low CO2 concentrations.
Conclusion
The C3 and C4 photosynthetic mechanisms have a few similarities and many differences, here are some examples.
Similarities:
- both open their stomata during the day
- both go through photosynthesis
Differences:
- C3 converts CO2 into a carbon-3 compound
- C4 converts CO2 into a carbon-4 compound
- C4 photosynthesizes faster than C3.
- C4 photosynthesis takes place in the inner cells, C3 photosynthesis takes place throughout the leaf
http://wc.pima.edu/~bfiero/tucsonecology/plants/plants_photosynthesis.htm