The Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) pathway is a photosynthetic process used by some plants, particularly those in arid environments. In this pathway, plants open their stomata at night to take in carbon dioxide, which is then converted into organic acids. This adaptation helps reduce water loss during the hot daytime when stomata are typically closed. During the day, the stored organic acids are converted back into carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. This allows CAM plants, such as cacti and succulents, to efficiently use water while still producing energy through photosynthesis.