Question

In photorespiration, what is the function of RuBisCo?

Answer 1

Photorespiration is a plant metabolism process where Ribulose 1,5 bisphosphate is generated with the help of the enzyme RuBisCo through oxidation. This process utilizes some of the energy produced during photosynthesis.

Complete Answer:
The process of photorespiration is also known as oxidative synthetic carbon cycle and {C}_{2} Photosynthesis. The carboxylation of Ribulose 1,5 bisphosphate which is the addition of carbon dioxide to Ribulose 1,5 bisphosphate is the desired mechanism for photorespiration. Approximately $25\%$ of all reactions that take place with the help of RuBisCo use oxygenation as their mechanism, i.e. they add oxygen to Ribulose 1,5 bisphosphate. The process of Oxygenation reduces the efficiency of photosynthesis and further reduces the photosynthetic output by $25\%$.
Ribulose 1,5 bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase, also known as RuBisCo or RuBPCase is an important enzyme involved in the initial major step of the assimilation of carbon. Carbon fixation or carbon assimilation is the process by which atmospheric carbon is converted into energy-rich compounds like glucose by the help of photosynthetic organisms like plants. RuBisCo performs the important function of the catalysis of ribulose 1,5 bisphosphate while it undergoes a carboxylation reaction. RuBisCo is considered to be the most abundant enzyme to exist on Earth.

Note:
RuBisCo is a biologically important enzyme as it catalyzes Ribulose 1,5 bisphosphate which allows inorganic carbon to enter the biosphere and provide energy to organisms.
RuBisCo is most abundantly found in leaves. The concentration of RuBisCo in {C}{3} plants is $50\%$ and the concentration of RuBisCo in {C}{4} plants is 30%.