How is C 4 made?

Answer 1

C4, or 4-carbon compounds, are primarily produced through photosynthesis in certain plants, notably those utilizing the C4 pathway. In this process, carbon dioxide is initially fixed into a 3-carbon molecule, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), to form oxaloacetate, which is then converted into malate or aspartate. These 4-carbon compounds are transported to specialized cells where they release carbon dioxide for the Calvin cycle, enhancing photosynthetic efficiency. This adaptation allows C4 plants to thrive in high temperatures and low CO2 environments.