What is the main difference between the C₃ and C₄ pathways of photosynthesis?

What is the main difference between the C₃ and C₄ pathways of photosynthesis?
  1. The C₃ pathway is dependent on light, while the C₄ pathway is not.
  2. The C₃ pathway produces ATP, while the C₄ pathway does not.
  3. The first stable product of CO₂ fixation in the C₃ pathway is a 3-carbon organic acid, while in the C₄ pathway it is a 4-carbon organic acid.
  4. The C₃ pathway is dependent on CO₂ and H₂O, while the C₄ pathway is not.

Solution

The main difference between the C₃ and C₄ pathways is the first stable product of CO₂ fixation, with the C₃ pathway producing a 3-carbon organic acid (PGA) and the C₄ pathway producing a 4-carbon organic acid (OAA).

Asked in: NCERT

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