Crassulacean Acid Metabolism

**Definition:** A water-saving mode of photosynthesis whereby CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) taken up during the nocturnal opening of stomata (STOMATA, PLANT) is fixed to produce malate, which is accumulated in VACUOLES overnight as malic acid and subsequently decarboxylated during the day with the resulting CO2 produced being re-fixed by RUBISCO and re-assimilated through the REDUCTIVE PENTOSE PHOSPHATE CYCLE. CAM photosynthesis is found mostly in plants in arid areas, but it is also found in aquatic plants and orchids.

**Tree numbers:** - G02.111.158.937.350 - G02.111.669.700.350 - G02.740.921.500 - G03.191.937.350 - G03.493.700.500 - G03.800.700.350 - G15.568.500

**Synonyms:** - Crassulacean Acid Metabolism Photosynthesis - CAM Photosynthesis