⚡
Metabolic
Succulents, cacti, pineapples
CAM Photosynthesis
Temporal separation of CO₂ fixation (night) and Calvin cycle (day) to conserve water.
Overview
Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) is a carbon fixation adaptation in arid-environment plants. At night, stomata open and CO₂ is fixed into oxaloacetate by PEP carboxylase, then stored as malate in vacuoles. During the day, stomata close to reduce water loss, and malate is decarboxylated to release CO₂ for the Calvin cycle. This temporal separation allows photosynthesis with minimal water loss.
Cellular Location
Mesophyll cells (vacuoles and chloroplasts)
Clinical Significance
Enables photosynthesis in extreme arid conditions; water use efficiency 3-6× higher than C3 plants; relevant for engineering drought-resistant crops.