Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
C3 Photosynthesis
C3 photosynthesis is the most common pathway for carbon fixation in plants, where CO2 is converted into a three-carbon compound, 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA). This process occurs in the chloroplasts and relies on the enzyme RuBisCO. C3 plants are efficient in moderate conditions but struggle in extreme environments due to their reliance on a constant supply of CO2.
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Stomatal Regulation
Stomata are small openings on the leaf surface that regulate gas exchange, allowing CO2 to enter and O2 to exit. In hot, dry conditions, C3 plants often close their stomata to prevent water loss, which inadvertently limits CO2 intake. This trade-off can severely hinder photosynthesis, as the plant cannot obtain the necessary carbon for the process.
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Photorespiration
Photorespiration is a process that occurs when RuBisCO fixes oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, leading to a wasteful pathway that consumes energy and releases CO2. In hot and dry environments, the increased oxygen concentration and reduced CO2 availability can elevate photorespiration rates, further decreasing the efficiency of photosynthesis in C3 plants.
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