Summary
Desert plants open stomata at night to fix CO2 into organic acids for daytime use.
In depth
Stomata open at night, CO2 is fixed into malate stored in vacuoles; by day stomata close and CO2 is released for the Calvin cycle. Saves water, but growth is slow.
Temporal separation allows stomata to open at cooler, more humid night times. Malic acid accumulates and makes the tissue acidic in the morning. CAM plants can idle without opening stomata during severe drought.
Key idea: CAM trades speed for water savings.
Frequently asked questions
What is CAM Photosynthesis?
Desert plants open stomata at night to fix CO2 into organic acids for daytime use.
Which area of biology covers CAM Photosynthesis, and how advanced is it?
CAM Photosynthesis is one of the 56 topics in Plant Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include C4 Photosynthesis, Stomata, Abscisic Acid and Drought.
Can you give an example of CAM Photosynthesis?
Pineapple and many succulents.
What should I learn before CAM Photosynthesis?
Work through the Beginner topics in Plant Biology first, such as Plant Kingdom, Photosynthesis, Chlorophyll, then return to CAM Photosynthesis. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to CAM Photosynthesis?
The closest topics to CAM Photosynthesis are C4 Photosynthesis, Stomata, Abscisic Acid and Drought, Cyclic Photophosphorylation. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand CAM Photosynthesis?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for CAM Photosynthesis. To practise the whole of Plant Biology, use the Plant Biology quiz.
How is CAM Photosynthesis different from C4 Photosynthesis?
CAM Photosynthesis: Desert plants open stomata at night to fix CO2 into organic acids for daytime use. C4 Photosynthesis: A pathway that concentrates CO2 in bundle sheath cells to reduce photorespiration in hot climates, as in maize. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study CAM Photosynthesis step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with C4 Photosynthesis and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Plant Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.