Plant Physiologyphotosynthesis 4-P-5

Question:#

Briefly explain the Hatch-Slack pathway and its significance in plant physiology.

Answer:#

Hatch and slack pathway, also known as C4 pathway is an adaptation to tropic and dry conditions. These plants show enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, particularly at high temperatures conditions and intense light, due to the spatial separation of the biochemical cycles. First carbon fixation takes place in mesophyll cells (PEPcarboxylase) and the second carbon fixation occurs in bundle sheet cells (by RubisCo). The C4 plants show reduced photorespiration, better water-use efficiency, and enhance carbon fixation under challenging conditions.