The reactions that allow plants such as cacti and orchids to assimilate carbon at night are referred to as ________.
A)the Calvin cycle
B)nocturnal photorespiration
C)the C₄ pathway
D)Crassulacean acid metabolism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reactions that allow plants such as cacti and orchids to assimilate carbon at night are referred to as Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). CAM plants open their stomata at night to take in CO₂, which is stored in the form of acids until the morning when the stomata close and the CO₂ is released for use in the Calvin cycle. CAM plants are adapted to hot and dry environments where water is limited, and this strategy allows them to conserve water by reducing water loss through transpiration during the day.

The Reactions That Allow Plants Such as Cacti and Orchids