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What is photorespiration?

GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer

Photorespiration is the light-dependent uptake of O₂ and release of CO₂ that occurs when RuBisCO's oxygenase activity dominates over carboxylase activity. This wasteful process:

  • Occurs primarily in C3 plants
  • Results in 25% loss of fixed carbon
  • Involves three organelles: chloroplasts, peroxisomes, and mitochondria
  • Does not produce ATP or NADPH
  • Increases with high O₂/CO₂ ratios and elevated temperatures
General · Class 12