🌱 Difference Between C3, C4, and CAM Plants – Easy Notes for NEET & CBSE

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Introduction
Photosynthesis is not the same in all plants. Depending on the way they fix carbon dioxide, plants are classified into C3, C4, and CAM plants. This classification is very important for NEET 2025 and CBSE Class 11 Biology exams. In this blog, we will clearly understand the difference between these three pathways with examples and a comparison table.


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📌 C3 Plants

Follow the Calvin Cycle (C3 pathway).

The first stable product is a 3-carbon compound (3-PGA).

Found in cool, moist environments.

Examples: Wheat, Rice, Potato, Tomato.

Efficiency: Lower efficiency due to high photorespiration.



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📌 C4 Plants

Follow the Hatch & Slack pathway.

The first stable product is a 4-carbon compound (OAA – oxaloacetic acid).

Found in tropical & dry environments.

Examples: Maize, Sugarcane, Sorghum.

Efficiency: Higher efficiency because photorespiration is minimized.



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📌 CAM Plants

Follow the Crassulacean Acid Metabolism pathway.

CO₂ fixation occurs at night to prevent water loss.

Found in desert or arid conditions.

Examples: Pineapple, Cactus, Agave.

Adaptation: Best suited for water conservation.



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📌 Key Differences Between C3, C4, and CAM Plants

Feature C3 Plants C4 Plants CAM Plants

First stable product 3-PGA (3 carbon) OAA (4 carbon) Malic acid (4 carbon)
Photosynthetic pathway Calvin Cycle Hatch-Slack Pathway Crassulacean Acid Metabolism
Optimum environment Cool, moist Tropical, dry Desert, arid
Examples Rice, Wheat Maize, Sugarcane Cactus, Pineapple
Efficiency Low (high photorespiration) High (low photorespiration) Very high water conservation



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📌 Importance in NEET & CBSE Exams

C4 plants are more efficient in photosynthesis.

CAM plants open stomata at night to reduce water loss.

NEET often asks examples of C3, C4, CAM plants.



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📌 Conclusion

Understanding the difference between C3, C4, and CAM plants helps students grasp how plants adapt to different environments. For NEET preparation, remember examples and key features. For CBSE Class 11, focus on diagrams and pathways.

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