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Kitiyala Jamir

Updated on 28th June, 2023 , 4 min read

Kranz Anatomy

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Kranz Anatomy - Definition 

Kranz anatomy refers to a specialized anatomical structure found in the leaves of certain plants, particularly in C4 plants. The term "kranz" is derived from the German word for "wreath" or "garland," which describes the arrangement of cells in a circular or concentric pattern.

  • In plants with kranz anatomy, the leaf structure is characterized by two distinct types of photosynthetic cells: bundle sheath cells and mesophyll cells. The bundle sheath cells are arranged in a ring or concentric layers surrounding the veins, while the mesophyll cells are located between the bundle sheath cells and the leaf surface.

Also Read: Father of Biology

Primary Functions of Kranz Anatomy 

The primary functions of kranz anatomy in plants are as follows:

Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency

Kranz anatomy enhances photosynthesis in C4 plants by spatially separating carbon fixation and the Calvin cycle, leading to more efficient carbon dioxide utilization.

Minimization of Photorespiration

Kranz anatomy reduces photorespiration by segregating carbon dioxide-rich bundle sheath cells from oxygen-rich mesophyll cells, optimizing carbon assimilation.

Concentration of Carbon Dioxide

The arrangement of bundle sheath cells creates a carbon dioxide-rich microenvironment, facilitating efficient carbon fixation by Rubisco.

Water Use Efficiency

Kranz anatomy reduces water loss through transpiration by spatially separating photosynthetic cells and minimizing exposure to the atmosphere.

Adaptation to High Light and Temperature

Kranz anatomy enables C4 plants to thrive in high light and temperature conditions by optimizing photosynthesis and minimizing the detrimental effects of photorespiration.

Learn About: Difference Between Monocotyledons and Dicots.

Kranz Anatomy Diagram

The Kranz anatomy is characteristic of Câ‚„ plants. In these plants, the leaves exhibit vascular bundles that are surrounded by both bundle sheath cells and mesophyll cells. The bundle sheath cells are tubular in shape and have thick cell walls. Within the bundle sheath cells, the chloroplasts are larger in size and do not possess grana, whereas the chloroplasts in the mesophyll cells are fewer and contain grana.

 

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Stages of Kranz Anatomy 

The following are the stages of kranz anatomy in plants:

  1. Leaf Differentiation: Specialized leaf tissues develop with distinct regions of bundle sheath cells and mesophyll cells.
  2. Spatial Arrangement: Bundle sheath cells form concentric layers around leaf veins, while mesophyll cells are located between bundle sheath cells and leaf surface.
  3. Carbon Fixation: Carbon dioxide is first fixed into a four-carbon compound in mesophyll cells using the C4 pathway and PEP carboxylase.
  4. Bundle Sheath Barrier: Bundle sheath cells limit carbon dioxide diffusion, creating a concentrated CO2 environment for subsequent Calvin cycle reactions.
  5. Calvin Cycle: Four-carbon compounds are decarboxylated in bundle sheath cells, releasing carbon dioxide for the Calvin cycle and sugar production.
  6. Water Conservation: Spatial separation of cells reduces water loss through transpiration.

Read More About: Difference between Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis.

Advantages of Kranz Anatomy 

Kranz anatomy provides a significant advantage as it enhances a plant's ability to efficiently produce its own food. It involves specialized cells surrounding the veins in leaves, optimizing light absorption and enabling increased production of sugar and oxygen for the plant's use.

Characteristics of Kranz Anamotmy

The following are the characteristics of kranz anatomy in plants:

  • Circular Arrangement: Bundle sheath cells are arranged in a circular pattern around leaf veins.
  • Spatial Separation: Bundle sheath cells create a barrier, separating them from mesophyll cells and optimizing carbon dioxide concentration.
  • Enhanced Efficiency: Kranz anatomy minimizes photorespiration and increases photosynthetic efficiency in high light and temperature conditions.

C3 Plants

C3 plants are photosynthetic plants that fix carbon through the C3 pathway. The first product of carbon dioxide fixation in C3 plants is a three-carbon compound known as 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA). C3 plants include the vast majority of plant species, including most crops and many trees.

Read About: Thallophyte and Bryophyta.

C4 Plants 

C4 plants are photosynthetic plants that fix carbon via the C4 pathway. The first product of carbon dioxide fixation in C4 plants is a four-carbon compound known as oxaloacetate or malate. This pathway enables C4 plants to capture and concentrate carbon dioxide more efficiently, reducing photorespiration and increasing their ability to thrive in high light and temperature conditions. Examples of C4 plants include maize, sugarcane, and certain grasses.

Read more about the Floral Formula of Fabaceae and Floral Formula of Liliaceae.

Difference between C3 & C4 Plants 

The following table summarizes the differences between C3 and C4 plants:

Particulars 

C3 Plants

C4 Plants

Carbon Fixation

Use the C3 carbon fixation pathway

Use the C4 carbon fixation pathway

Leaf Anatomy

Simpler leaf anatomy

Kranz anatomy with concentric layers of bundle sheath cells surrounding the veins

Photorespiration

More prone to photorespiration

Minimize photorespiration, enhancing efficiency in high light and temperature conditions

Water Use Efficiency

Typically lower water use efficiency

Generally higher water use efficiency, adapted to arid or high-temperature environments

Geographic Distribution

Found in diverse environments

More common in warm, tropical, and subtropical regions, where they have a competitive advantage

Productivity

Generally lower productivity

Higher productivity, especially in high light, temperature, and water stress conditions

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is kranz anatomy?

Kranz’s anatomy is defined as two separate concentric sheets of chlorenchyma cells formed by a bundle sheath containing the majority of the chloroplasts and enclosed by a minor number of mesophyll cells.

Which Plants Show Krantz Anatomy?

Krantz anatomy can be found in all C4 plants. Sugarcane, maize and millets are a few examples.

What are C3 plants?

C3 plants are photosynthetic plants that fix carbon through the C3 pathway. The first product of carbon dioxide fixation in C3 plants is a three-carbon compound known as 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA). C3 plants include the vast majority of plant species, including most crops and many trees.

What are C4 plants?

C4 plants are photosynthetic plants that fix carbon via the C4 pathway. The first product of carbon dioxide fixation in C4 plants is a four-carbon compound known as oxaloacetate or malate.

How are C3 plants and C4 plants different based on photosynthesis?

C3 and C4 plants differ in photosynthesis because C3 plants complete photosynthesis only when the stomata are open, whereas C4 plants complete photosynthesis even when the stomata are closed.

What is the importance of Kranz Anatomy?

The Kranz Anatomy’s main role and point of importance is that it provides the ideal site for CO2 or carbon dioxide concentration.

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