Question

Pineapple is a

• A. C3 Plant
• B. C2 Plant
• C. C4 Plant
• D. CAM Plant

Hint:

Remember key examples for each photosynthetic pathway: C3 (Rice, Wheat), C4 (Maize, Sugarcane), and CAM (Pineapple, Cacti). This classification is fundamental in plant physiology and agronomy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Core Concept:
This question requires classifying the pineapple plant based on its photosynthetic pathway. The main pathways are C3, C4, and CAM.

Step 2: Pathway Breakdown:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{C3 Photosynthesis: The standard pathway, used by plants such as rice, wheat, and soybeans. } \\ \bullet & \text{C4 Photosynthesis: An adaptation for hot, sunny environments, seen in plants like maize, sugarcane, and sorghum. It excels in high light and temperature. } \\ \bullet & \text{Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) Photosynthesis: An adaptation to arid or dry environments. CAM plants open their stomata at night to absorb CO\(_2\) and convert it into organic acids, which are then used for photosynthesis during the day when stomata are closed to conserve water. } \\ \end{array}\] Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a prime example of a CAM plant. This adaptation enables it to survive in water-scarce conditions. Other CAM plants include cacti, succulents, and agave. (Note: The C2 pathway refers to photorespiration, which is not a primary photosynthetic pathway).

Step 3: Conclusion:
Pineapple utilizes the CAM pathway.