Why are C₄ Plants Able to Photosynthesize with No Apparent

Question

Why are C₄ plants able to photosynthesize with no apparent photorespiration?
A)They do not participate in the Calvin cycle.
B)They use PEP carboxylase to initially fix CO₂.
C)They are adapted to cold, wet climates.
D)They conserve water more efficiently.
E)They exclude oxygen from their tissues.

Accepted Answer

C₄ plants use PEP carboxylase to initially fix CO₂ in a four-carbon compound, which is then transported to specialized cells for the Calvin cycle. This spatial separation of initial CO₂ fixation and the Calvin cycle reduces the likelihood of oxygen interfering with the process and causing photorespiration.