Step 1: Understanding CAM pathway.
CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) pathway is an adaptation in succulent plants to minimize water loss.
- Plants open stomata at night to fix CO\(_2\) into malic acid.
- During daytime, CO\(_2\) is released internally from malic acid for photosynthesis.
Step 2: Comparison with other pathways.
- C3 pathway: Most common, fixes CO\(_2\) during the day in mesophyll cells.
- C4 pathway: Fixes CO\(_2\) in mesophyll, transports to bundle sheath cells for Calvin cycle; efficient in high light and temperature.
- C2 pathway: Photorespiration variant, less common.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Succulent plants use CAM pathway to reduce transpiration and efficiently fix CO\(_2\) at night.