Chapter 13, Problem 52SA

Summary Introduction

To review:

The reason accounting for the consideration of photorespiration as an evolutionary artifact.

Introduction:

The process of photorespiration is light-dependent and involves the consumption of oxygen molecules for the production of carbon dioxide by the cells engaged in photosynthesis. The process of photorespiration is initiated by RuBisCo (ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase). The enzyme is capable of binding with both CO₂(carbon dioxide) and O₂(oxygen). In case of low CO₂ to O₂ ratio and low temperatures, the active site of RuBisCo is occupied by oxygen, resulting in photorespiration.