At night, the peepal tree continues to carry out a unique type of photosynthesis known as Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). This process allows the tree to uptake carbon dioxide, even in the absence of sunlight. CAM photosynthesis is a strategy employed by certain plants, including the peepal tree, to conserve water and maximize efficiency in dry or arid environments.
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During the day, most plants, including the peepal tree, perform a type of photosynthesis called C3 photosynthesis. In this process, carbon dioxide is taken in through tiny pores on the leaves called stomata and converted into sugars using energy from sunlight. However, during hot and dry conditions, plants tend to lose a significant amount of water through transpiration when their stomata are open for carbon dioxide uptake.
To circumvent this water loss, plants like the peepal tree have evolved CAM photosynthesis. Unlike C3 photosynthesis, CAM photosynthesis involves the opening of stomata at night when temperatures are cooler, and humidity is higher. The peepal tree takes in carbon dioxide during this time and stores it as a four-carbon compound in vacuoles within the cells.
During the day, when sunlight is available, the peepal tree closes its stomata to conserve water and prevents further gas exchange. The stored carbon dioxide from the previous night is then utilized in the Calvin cycle, a set of chemical reactions, to produce sugars and other necessary compounds for growth and energy.
This unique adaptation allows the peepal tree and other plants that employ CAM photosynthesis to thrive in environments with limited water availability. By performing photosynthesis at night, they reduce water loss and maintain better water-use efficiency.
In conclusion, the peepal tree continues its physiological processes at night by utilizing CAM photosynthesis, where it takes in carbon dioxide and stores it for later use in the production of sugars and other essential compounds. This adaptation helps the tree thrive in arid and dry environments by reducing water loss during the day.