Plants that utilize the Calvin cycle during the dark phase of photosynthesis are referred to as C3 plants, while those employing the Hatch-Slack pathway during this phase are known as C4 plants. C4 plants have evolved a specialized anatomical structure in their leaves called Kranz anatomy, which aids in reducing or preventing photorespiration. In contrast, C3 plants lack such anatomical adaptations in their leaves, leading to a higher rate of photorespiration, thus decreasing their photosynthetic efficiency.