Question

What is Kranz anatomy and why is it important for C4 photosynthesis?

Answer 1

Kranz anatomy is observed in C4 plants (grasses, maize etc) that contains two types of photosynthetic cell types i.e., bundle sheath cells that surrounds vascular tissues and mesophyll cells. The bundle sheath cells lack grana and chloroplasts are dimorphic.

The kranz anatomy helps to avoid photorespiration. Photorespiration occurs when carbon dioxide levels inside the leaf becomes low. Kranz anatomy thus provides a site in which carbon dioxide can be concentrated around RuBisCo. High concentration of CO2 in bundle sheath cells is maintained as the boundary layer of kranz has low conductance to carbon dioxide.