Question

Which one of the following is wrong in relation to photorespiration:

• A. It occurs in chloroplasts
• B. It occurs in daytime only
• C. It is a characteristic of C4 plants
• D. It is a characteristic of C3 plants

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

It is a characteristic of C4 plants

Answer 2

Photorespiration is primarily a characteristic of C3 plants, not C4 plants. C3 and C4 plants have different carbon fixation pathways. Photorespiration occurs more prominently in C3 plants due to the oxygenase activity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO), which leads to the wasteful breakdown of carbon compounds in the presence of oxygen. C4 plants have evolved mechanisms to minimize photorespiration, making it less common in these plants.

So, the correct option is (C): It is a characteristic of C4 plants