By looking at which internal structure of a plant can you tell whether a plant is C3 or C4? Explain.

Question:

By looking at which internal structure of a plant can you tell whether a plant is C3 or C4? Explain.

Solution:

The leaves of C4 plants have a special anatomy called Kranz anatomy. This makes them different from C3 plants. Special cells, known as bundle-sheath cells, surround the vascular bundles. These cells have a large number of chloroplasts. They are thick-walled and have no intercellular spaces. They are also impervious to gaseous exchange. All these anatomical features help prevent photorespiration in C4 plants, thereby increasing their ability to photosynthesise.

Leave a comment