Why Does Photorespiration Exist?

Photorespiration is a wasteful pathway that occurs when the Calvin cycle enzyme rubisco acts on oxygen rather than carbon dioxide.

What is the purpose of photorespiration?

Photorespiration plays an important role in the regulation of photosynthetic electron flow under fluctuating light in tobacco plants grown under full sunlight. Plants usually experience dynamic fluctuations of light intensities under natural conditions.

What is the evolutionary reason for photorespiration?

Photo respiration is considered an evolutionary relic because it occurs when the enzyme rubisco captures oxygen instead of carbon dioxide. The enzyme...