All `C_(4)` plants show Kranz anatomy and it is -

Options

A. Environmentally determined
B. Non-gentically determined
C. Edaphically determined
D. Genetically determined

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding C4 Plants**: C4 plants are a type of plant that has adapted to hot and dry environments. They have a specialized mechanism for photosynthesis that allows them to efficiently fix carbon dioxide even under conditions of low atmospheric CO2.

2. **Kranz Anatomy**: Kranz anatomy is a specific structural adaptation found in C4 plants. It involves the arrangement of mesophyll and bundle sheath cells. In this anatomy, mesophyll cells are located around the bundle sheath cells, which are tightly packed. This arrangement is crucial for the C4 photosynthetic pathway.

3. **Role of Mesophyll and Bundle Sheath Cells**: In C4 plants, the initial fixation of carbon dioxide occurs in the mesophyll cells, where CO2 is converted into a four-carbon compound. This compound is then transported to the bundle sheath cells, where it is converted back into CO2 for use in the Calvin cycle.

4. **Determining the Nature of Kranz Anatomy**: The question asks about the nature of Kranz anatomy in C4 plants. It is important to determine whether it is environmentally determined, genetically determined, or edaphically determined.

5. **Evaluating Options**:
- **Environmentally Determined**: This option suggests that Kranz anatomy is a direct response to environmental factors. However, while C4 plants are adapted to their environment, their anatomy is not solely a result of environmental factors.
- **Non-Genetically Determined**: This option indicates that Kranz anatomy is not a result of genetic determination but rather an adaptation to environmental conditions. This is accurate because the development of Kranz anatomy is a response to the need for efficient photosynthesis in specific environments.
- **Edaphically Determined**: This option implies that the anatomy is influenced by soil characteristics. However, Kranz anatomy is primarily an internal adaptation related to the plant's photosynthetic efficiency, not directly linked to soil conditions.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the evaluation of the options, the correct answer is that Kranz anatomy in C4 plants is **non-genetically determined**. It is an adaptation that has evolved to enhance photosynthesis in response to environmental conditions.