NEETBotanyPhotosynthesis in Higher Plants
What feature helps identify C4 plants when observing leaves under a microscope?
Options
- APresence of large intercellular spaces
- BPresence of bundle sheath around the vascular bundles
- CAbsence of chloroplasts
- DThin cell walls
Correct answer
B. Presence of bundle sheath around the vascular bundles
Step-by-step solution
The particularly large cells around the vascular bundles of the C4 plants are called bundle sheath cells, and the leaves which have such anatomy are said to have ‘Kranz’ anatomy. ‘Kranz’ means ‘wreath’ and is a reflection of the arrangement of cells. The bundle sheath cells may form several layers around the vascular bundles; they are characterised by having a large number of chloroplasts, thick walls impervious to gaseous exchange and no intercellular spaces. You may like to cut a section of the leaves of C4 plant