NEET2026BiologyChapterActual
Which of the following is an incorrect characteristic of the bundle sheath cells in C₄ plants?
Options
- AThey have thick walls that are impervious to gaseous exchange.
- BThey are characterized by the absence of intercellular spaces.
- CThey contain the enzyme PEP carboxylase in abundance.
- DThey possess a large number of chloroplasts.
Correct answer
C. They contain the enzyme PEP carboxylase in abundance.
Step-by-step solution
In C₄ plants, the bundle sheath cells are characterized by having a large number of chloroplasts, thick walls impervious to gaseous exchange, and no intercellular spaces. The enzyme PEP carboxylase (PEPcase) is present in the mesophyll cells, where it catalyzes the primary CO₂ fixation. Bundle sheath cells lack PEPcase but are rich in the enzyme RuBisCO (Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase). Therefore, the statement that bundle sheath cells contain PEP carboxylase in abundance is incorrect. Answer: They con