Photorespiration decreases the efficiency of the light independent reactions in C3 plants under hot, dry conditions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Photorespiration occurs when rubisco, the enzyme responsible for carbon fixation in the Calvin cycle, binds with oxygen instead of carbon dioxide. This results in the release of carbon dioxide and energy, which is essentially wasted energy. Photorespiration becomes more frequent under hot, dry conditions when stomata close to save water, resulting in a decrease in carbon dioxide availability and an increase in oxygen concentrations. Thus, photorespiration decreases the efficiency of the light independent reactions (the Calvin cycle) in C3 plants, which rely heavily on rubisco.

Photorespiration Decreases the Efficiency of the Light Independent Reactions in C3