When two plants L and M were exposed to different light intensities and temperature they showed changes in their rates of photosynthesis. Which have been represented in the following graph.

The graph indicates that

Options

A. Plant L is a `C_(3)` plant for which the light saturation point is 100% of full sunlight
B. Plant M is a `C_(4)` plant for which the optimum temperature s around `20^(@)C`
C. Plant M is a `C_(3)` plant which is more affected at higher temperature and higher light intensity as compared to palnt L
D. plant L is a `C_(4)` plant and cannot function at light intensities above the saturation point.

Answer

C

Explanation

The light intensity at which a plant can achive maximum rate of photosynthesis is called as light saturation point. Its value is 50-70% full sunlight in `C_(3)` sun plants and upto 200% of full sunlight in `C_(4)` sun plants (e.g., sugarcane). Beyond satruation point (it is seldom relaised in nature in `C_(4)` sun plants). the rate of photosynthesis begins to decline. Optimum temperature at which the rate of photsynthesis is maximum is `10^(@)C-25^(@)C` for `C_(3)` plants and `30-45^(@)C` for `C_(4)` plants. Thus, it is clear that in the given graph, plant L is a `C_(4)` plant and plant M is a `C_(3)` plant.