Glossary 2.9

The glossary provides definitions and explanations of key terms and concepts essential to understand the topic in the lesson. Be sure to familiarize yourself with each term before attempting the lesson glossary quiz.

Browse the glossary using this index

Special | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | ALL

C

C4 cycle

an alternative form of carbon fixation that some plants use, particularly in hot weather, to increase the concentration of \( CO_2 \) available for the Calvin cycle reactions

Crassufacean acid metabolism (CAM)

a metabolic pathway, used mostly by succulent plants, in which the Calvin cycle and the C4 cycle are separated in time for better efficiency of \( CO_2 \) fixation

P

Photorespiration

the catalysis of \( O_2 \) instead of \( CO_2 \) by rubisco into RuBP, which slows the Calvin cycle, consumes ATP, and results in a release of carbon

S

Stomata

small pores in the surface of a leaf that can be opened and closed to control the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the leaf interior