Final answer:
CAM plants minimize photorespiration by using the Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) pathway. They open their stomata at night to collect and fix CO2 as malic acid, which is stored and then broken down during the day to release CO2 for the Calvin Cycle. This allows CAM plants to conserve water and minimize photorespiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
CAM plants minimize photorespiration by using a specialized pathway called Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). CAM plants open their stomata at night to collect and fix CO2 as an organic acid. This CO2 is stored as malic acid in the vacuoles of plant cells. During the day, the stored malic acid is retrieved and broken down, releasing CO2 for the Calvin Cycle. By closing their stomata during the day, CAM plants reduce water loss and minimize the risk of photorespiration.