Question: 98: Given below are two statements :
Statement I:
The primary \mathrm{CO}_{2} acceptor in \mathrm{C}_{4} plants is phosphoenolpyruvate and is found in the mesophyll cells.
Statement II:
Mesophyll cells of \mathrm{C}_{4} plants lack RuBisCo enzyme.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(1) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
(2) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
(3) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
(4) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
Answer: Option (3)
Explanation:
In \mathrm{C}_{4} plants, the initial fixation of \mathrm{CO}_{2} occurs in mesophyll cells.
The primary \mathrm{CO}_{2} acceptor in these plants is phosphoenolpyruvate,
which combines with \mathrm{CO}_{2} to form a four-carbon compound.
Therefore, Statement I is correct.
Mesophyll cells of \mathrm{C}_{4} plants do not contain the RuBisCo enzyme.
RuBisCo is present only in the bundle sheath cells, where the Calvin cycle takes place.
This spatial separation helps in reducing photorespiration.
Hence, Statement II is also correct.
Therefore, both Statement I and Statement II are correct,
making option (3) the correct answer.