C4 carbon fixation

C4 carbon fixation is a process used by some plants to efficiently capture carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, especially in hot and dry environments. Unlike the more common C3 pathway, C4 plants incorporate carbon dioxide into a four-carbon compound before converting it into sugars. This adaptation minimizes water loss and allows these plants to thrive in conditions where others might struggle. Common C4 plants include maize (corn) and sugarcane. This mechanism enhances their productivity by enabling them to photosynthesize effectively even when carbon dioxide levels are lower or temperature stress is higher.