Which of the following statement is correct regarding the `C_(4)` plants ?

Options

A. The carbon fixation is catalysed by PEP carboxylase
B. Mesophyll cells lack the RuBisCO enzyme
C. Photorespiration is absent
D. More than one option is correct

Answer

To determine which statement is correct regarding C4 plants, let's analyze each statement step by step:

1. **Statement 1: Carbon fixation is catalyzed by PEP carboxylase enzyme.**
- In C4 plants, the initial step of carbon fixation occurs in the mesophyll cells, where the enzyme PEP carboxylase catalyzes the reaction. This enzyme combines carbon dioxide with phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to form oxaloacetate, which is then converted to malate.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is **true**.

2. **Statement 2: Mesophyll cells lack the rubisco enzyme.**
- In C4 plants, the enzyme ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rubisco) is primarily found in the bundle sheath cells, not in the mesophyll cells. The mesophyll cells contain PEP carboxylase instead.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is **true**.

3. **Statement 3: Photorespiration is absent.**
- C4 plants have a specialized anatomy known as Kranz anatomy, which helps to minimize photorespiration. The arrangement of mesophyll and bundle sheath cells allows for efficient carbon fixation and reduces the likelihood of oxygen competing with carbon dioxide for rubisco, thus minimizing photorespiration.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is **true**.

4. **Final Evaluation:**
- Since all three statements are true, the correct answer is that more than one option is correct.

**Final Answer:** More than one option is correct (Option D).

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