The study looked at how two types of maize plants respond to different levels of drought stress. They found that both types of plants showed changes in photosynthesis and increased levels of certain substances to help them cope with the stress. However, the drought-resistant maize plants performed better under stress compared to the sensitive ones. The resistant plants had higher rates of photosynthesis, better protection for their photosynthetic system, and accumulated more substances to protect their cells from damage. This suggests that the resistant maize plants have better ways to adapt to drought conditions.