Phenomena and Processes

Crassulacean Acid Metabolism

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.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

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.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

2 entry terms
  • CAM Photosynthesis
  • Crassulacean Acid Metabolism Photosynthesis

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

5 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings drug effects, genetics, immunology, physiology, radiation effects.

MeSH Record

History Note

2021

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. G02.111.158w.937w.350w
  2. G02.111.669.700w.350w
  3. G02.740.921w.500w
  4. G03w.191w.937w.350w
  5. G03w.493w.700w.500w
  6. G03w.800.700w.350w
  7. G15.568w.500w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Crassulacean Acid Metabolism. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D000081962. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D000081962
  2. Crassulacean Acid Metabolism. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crassulacean_acid_metabolism
  3. Crassulacean Acid Metabolism. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q858313