Saturation intensity of light in `C_(4)` plants is

Options

A. 10% of maximum light
B. 200% of maximum light
C. 50-70% of maximum light
D. 2.5 - 100 foot candle

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Saturation Intensity**:
- Saturation intensity refers to the maximum light intensity at which a plant can effectively carry out photosynthesis. Beyond this point, increasing light intensity does not lead to an increase in the rate of photosynthesis.

2. **C4 Plants and Their Pathway**:
- C4 plants utilize a specific photosynthetic pathway known as the Hatch-Slack pathway. This pathway allows them to efficiently fix carbon dioxide in conditions of high light intensity and temperature.

3. **Cell Types Involved**:
- The Hatch-Slack pathway involves two types of cells: mesophyll cells and bundle sheath cells. This arrangement helps in the efficient capture and utilization of light energy.

4. **Light Intensity Tolerance**:
- C4 plants are adapted to thrive in harsh environments, particularly in high temperatures. They can sustain high rates of photosynthesis even under intense light conditions.

5. **Saturation Intensity Range**:
- The saturation intensity for C4 plants is significantly higher than that of C3 plants. It can range from 1000 to 4000 µmol photons m^-2 s^-1, indicating their ability to perform photosynthesis at high light levels.

6. **Comparison with Other Plant Types**:
- In contrast, C3 plants have a much lower saturation intensity, typically around 10% of the maximum light intensity. CAM plants, on the other hand, can photosynthesize in the dark and do not require light for this process.

7. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the saturation intensity of light in C4 plants is approximately 200% of the maximum light intensity, making them highly efficient in photosynthesis under intense light conditions.

**Final Answer**: The saturation intensity of light in C4 plants is 200% of the maximum light intensity.

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