Photosynthesis Question 27
27. A very efficient converter of solar energy with net productivity of $2-4 kg / m^{2}$ or more is the crop of
(a) wheat
(b) sugarcane
(c) rice
(d) bajra
Show Answer
Answer : b
Hints & Solution
(b) $C_4$ cycle occurs in $C_4$ plants like sugarcane, maize. $C_4$ cycle provides a more efficient way of $CO_2$ fixation than $C_3$ cycle and hence gives more productivity. The rest are $C_3$ plants. C3 Cycle needs 18 ATP molecules for synthesis of one molecule of glucose whereas the $C 4$ cycle needs 30 ATP molecules. Due to high energy requirement $C 4$ cycle is more energy expensive than the $C 3$ cycle.
