Understanding Photorespiration in C3 Plants
Photorespiration is a crucial process that occurs in C3 plants, impacting their overall efficiency in photosynthesis.
What is Photorespiration?
- Photorespiration is a metabolic pathway that occurs when the enzyme RuBisCO (Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) reacts with oxygen instead of carbon dioxide.
- This process typically takes place under conditions of high oxygen and low carbon dioxide, often due to stomatal closure in hot environments.
By-products of Photorespiration
- One of the main by-products of photorespiration is oxygen (O2).
- During this process, RuBisCO catalyzes the reaction of ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) with oxygen, leading to the production of 2-phosphoglycolate, which is then converted through a series of reactions, eventually releasing oxygen.
Why Oxygen is the Correct Answer
- The key point is that, unlike photosynthesis, which primarily aims to produce glucose and other carbohydrates, photorespiration leads to the release of oxygen as a by-product.
- While glucose and carbon dioxide are involved in the overall photosynthetic process, they are not directly produced or released during photorespiration.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct answer is option 'A' (Oxygen) because during photorespiration, the primary by-product released is indeed oxygen, resulting from the interaction of RuBisCO with oxygen rather than carbon dioxide. Understanding this process is essential for grasping plant physiology and the intricacies of photosynthesis in C3 plants.