Photorespiration occurs because Rubisco has both oxygenase and carboxylase activities. What term describes these dual functions?

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Multiple Choice

Photorespiration occurs because Rubisco has both oxygenase and carboxylase activities. What term describes these dual functions?

Rubisco can perform two different catalytic tasks: it carboxylates RuBP by adding CO2 to form 3-phosphoglycerate, and it oxygenates RuBP by adding O2, which leads to different products. This combination of activities is described as oxygenase and carboxylase activities. Photorespiration happens when the oxygenase activity predominates, especially under conditions of high O2 or low CO2, causing a loss of fixed carbon and energy for the plant.

Rubisco can perform two different catalytic tasks: it carboxylates RuBP by adding CO2 to form 3-phosphoglycerate, and it oxygenates RuBP by adding O2, which leads to different products. This combination of activities is described as oxygenase and carboxylase activities. Photorespiration happens when the oxygenase activity predominates, especially under conditions of high O2 or low CO2, causing a loss of fixed carbon and energy for the plant.

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