Researchers studied different types of maize plants under normal and water-stressed conditions to see how their photosynthetic processes and drought resistance were related. They found that the levels of chlorophyll and net photosynthesis in the plants were directly linked to their ability to withstand drought. However, the level of stomatal conductance did not show a clear connection to drought resistance. The decrease in net photosynthesis under moderate water stress was due to a decrease in chlorophyll content, not stomatal conductance.