Stomata of CAM plants
- are always open
- open during the day and close at night
- open during the night and close during the day
- never open.
Answer
(3) open during the night and close during the day
Solution
CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) plants such as pineapple and Opuntia grow in dry habitats.
⇒ To reduce water loss, their stomata open at night, when CO2 is taken in and fixed by PEP carboxylase into malic acid stored in vacuoles.
⇒ During the day stomata remain closed; malic acid releases CO2 for the Calvin cycle.
∴ Stomata open during the night and close during the day (scotoactive stomata).
Answer: (3)