Chapter 15, Problem 9P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The relative rate of incorporation of CO₂ by Rubisco under N₂ and under pure O₂ should be described. It should also be decided if O₂ is competitive or uncompetitive inhibitor.

Concept introduction:

In any enzyme, the activity can be inhibited if any small molecule or ion is bonded to it. This inhibition can be done either irreversibly or reversibly.

The competitive inhibitors can resemble with the substrate and so they bind to the active sites of enzyme while the uncompetitive inhibitors do not bind as substrate but it binds to enzyme site simultaneously with substrate. The uncompetitive inhibitors are reversible in nature.

When the concentration of competitive inhibitor increases, the higher concentration of substrate is required while in case of uncompetitive inhibitors the concentration of substrate does not increase.

Pictorial representation:

From the given data; the relative rate of incorporation of CO₂ by Rubisco under N₂ and under pure O₂ could be given as: