Question

In xerophytes, photosynthesis, often occurs through

• A. Root
• B. Modified stem
• C. Stomata
• D. Scaly leaves

Answer 1

The correct option is B Modified stem

Xerophytes are plants, that have small amount of water or moisture, so they have adaptations that allow them to survive in these harsh conditions. These plants are like cactus and other succulents are typically found in deserts.

Xerophytes have a shortage of water, so have special adaptive features to store or reduce the loss of water, so that photosynthesis and respiration can be carried out.

For e.g., in Cacti the leaves have become spines, so therefore photosynthesis occurs in the stem. It has many packed cells in the cortex, that can easily store water and the epidermis has a tick waxy cuticle, that reduces water loss. The cacti can close its stomata during the day decreases water lost and then open it at night to let in $C{O}_2$ for photosynthesis. This photosynthesis process is called as the CAM photosynthesis.