Question

C A M photosynthesis occurs in plants with

• A. Thin green leaves with reticulate venation
• B. Thin green leaves with parallel venation
• C. Fleshy green leaves
• D. Thin coloured leaves

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Fleshy green leaves

CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) photosynthesis is found in most desert plants, particularly the succulents (plants that store water in thick, fleshy leaves). CAM plants keep their stomata closed during the day to conserve water. At night, the stomata open to allow CO${}_2$ to enter. CO${}_2$ is incorporated into organic acids which are then stored within the mesophyll cells. During the day, CO${}_2$ is released from the organic acids to supply the Calvin Cycle. Thus, CAM photosynthesis occurs in fleshy green leaves and not in thin green leaves with reticulated venation or Thin green leaves with parallel or thin colored leaves. Thus, option C is correct and other options are incorrect.