Question

Which one of the following does not perform $C_4$ photosynthesis?

• A. Saccharum
• B. Zea mays
• C. Triticum aestivum (=T. vulgare)/Crotalaria)
• D. Euphorbia milli (=E. splendens).

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Triticum aestivum (=T. vulgare)/Crotalaria)

Characteristics of C${}_3$ and C${}_4$ plants:-

1. C${}_3$ cycle use Calvin cycle while C${}_4$ plants use Hatch-slack pathway.
2. In C${}_3$ plants first stable compound is PGA while C${}_4$ use oxaloacetic acid.
3. C${}_3$ plants are found in cold and wet areas and C${}_4$ plants are found in dry and hot areas.
   
4. These are abundant in temperate areas while these are mainly found in tropical areas.
5. Examples of C${}_3$ plants are wheat, oats, rice while of C${}_4$ plants are maize, sugarcane etc.

So the correct option is 'Triticum aestivum (=T. vulgare)/Crotalaria)'.