C4 Pathway

The C4 pathway is a process some plants use to efficiently capture carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, especially in hot, dry environments. Unlike plants that fix carbon directly, C4 plants initially combine CO₂ with a different molecule in specialized cells, forming a four-carbon compound. This compound then moves to other cells where CO₂ is released for the main photosynthesis process. This method helps C4 plants minimize water loss and maximize efficiency under challenging conditions, making them well-adapted to environments like grasslands and tropical regions. Examples include maize and sugarcane.