Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: The primary CO₂ acceptor in C₄ plants is phosphoenolpyruvate and is found in the mesophyll cells.
Statement II: Mesophyll cells of C₄ plants lack \(RuBisCO\) enzyme.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The provided question involves understanding the processes and structures in C₄ plants, specifically related to CO₂ fixation and enzymes involved.

Explanation:

• Statement I: In C₄ plants, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) is indeed the primary acceptor of CO₂. This process occurs in the mesophyll cells where PEP carboxylase catalyzes the reaction between PEP and CO₂ to form oxaloacetate. This is the initial step in the C₄ photosynthetic pathway.
• Statement II: In C₄ plants, mesophyll cells do lack RuBisCO, which is the enzyme responsible for carbon fixation in the Calvin cycle occurring in C₃ plants. In C₄ plants, RuBisCO is located in the bundle-sheath cells, not in the mesophyll cells. This spatial separation helps in reducing photorespiration, thereby making C₄ photosynthesis more efficient in hot and dry conditions.

Conclusion: Both statements correctly describe the structure and function of C₄ plants. Therefore, the correct answer is: Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.