Question

Represent the equation of photosynthesis. Explain the steps involved in photosynthesis. In which way are the steps of photosynthesis different in desert plants.

Answer 1

Photosynthesis is a process where compounds like carbohydrates are synthesized from simple inorganic compounds like carbon dioxide and water in the presence of chlorophyll and sunlight with the liberation of oxygen.

It is a reductive, anabolic and endothermic reaction.

Photosynthesis helps to maintain the equilibrium position of Oxygen and carbon dioxide.

The desert plant maintains the photosynthesis by CAM pathway which operates in succulents and fleshy plants which helps them to continue photosynthesis under extremely dry conditions.

The stomata of the succulent plant remain closed during the day and open during the night to avoid water loss. They stored carbon dioxide during the night to form malic acid in presence of enzyme Pep carboxylase. The carbon dioxide stored during the night is used in the Calvin cycle during the daytime.

The succulents reflect carbon dioxide released during respiration and it is used during photosynthesis.