Photorespiration

What is photorespiration?

Photorespiration is a metabolic pathway in plants that occurs when the enzyme RuBisCO fixes oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, leading to a reduction in the efficiency of photosynthesis.

Which enzyme is central to photorespiration?

RuBisCO

Under what conditions is photorespiration favored?

Photorespiration is favored under conditions of high oxygen levels and low carbon dioxide levels, typically in hot and arid environments.

What is C3 Photosynthesis?

Most common type of photosynthesis where the first stable organic coimound formed after carbon fixation as ia three-carbon compound( 3-phosphoglycerate), It occurs in mesophyll cells.

Why are C3 plants susceptible to photorespiration?

C3 plants are susceptible to photorespiration because they use RuBisCO, which can catalyze the reaction of oxygen instead of carbon dioxide when oxygen levels are high, leading to a wasteful process that decreases photosynthetic efficiency.

What is C4 Photosynthesis?

C4 photosynthesis is a pathway evolved by plants to minimize photorespiration. The first stable product of carbon fixation is a four-carbon compound (oxaloacetate).

How do C4 plants reduce photorespiration?

C4 plants reduce photorespiration by using a specialized pathway that separates carbon fixation and the Calvin cycle functionally, allowing them to concentrate carbon dioxide in bundle sheath cells, thus minimizing the oxygen uptake by RuBisCO.

What is CAM Photosynthesis?

CAM photosynthesis is a water-conserving adaptation where plants take up carbon dioxide at night and fix it during the day, reducing water loss and minimizing photorespiration.

What is the primary advantage of CAM Photosynthesis?

The primary advantage of CAM Photosynthesis is its ability to conserve water by allowing plants to fix carbon dioxide at night, reducing transpiration during the hotter daytime temperatures.