Daily Newsletter March 8, 2012
Daily Topic: Variations in plant photosynthesis
As discussed in class, there are variations in how plants experience photosynthesis. The C4 plants have a spacial separation of CO2 acquisition and utilization. The CAM plants have a temporal seperation of CO2 acquisition and utilization. In bacteria there are even more variations, as some species can fix carbon through a reverse TCA process.
The image below is one example of a reverse TCA (Kreb's Cycle).
Daily Challenge: Alternative Carbon Fixation routes
Your task today is to look at different ways organisms can fix carbon. Focus your discussion on the C4 and CAM plants. Discuss how they separate CO2 acquisition and fixation. Discuss the habitats of plants with these modifications. Discuss why this modification is helpful (hint: discuss photorespiration). Finally, take a moment to discuss why bacteria may have reverse TCA reactions.
Learning objectives: What are you suppose to learn from this exercise? Why are these modifications important? Is it just about knowing different routes of carbon fixation? What is the main goal of learning about different routes of carbon fixation?
No comments:
Post a Comment