What is the main reason why C4 plants have higher photosynthetic efficiency than C3 plants in hot and dry environments?

3 views 1 helpful Updated Jul 29, 2026
Appears in NEET UG
Solution ✔ Verified
  • AC4 plants open their stomata only at night.
  • BC4 plants lack photorespiration due to efficient CO2 concentration.
  • CC4 plants use less water for photosynthesis.
  • DC4 plants have a more efficient chlorophyll a.
Explanation

In hot and dry conditions, C3 plants suffer from high rates of photorespiration because RuBisCO starts binding O2. C4 plants overcome this by concentrating CO2 in their bundle sheath cells, ensuring that RuBisCO primarily acts as a carboxylase and minimizes photorespiration, leading to higher photosynthetic efficiency.

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