What are the effects of photorespiration?

Photorespiration is a process that occurs in plants when the enzyme RuBisCO reacts with oxygen instead of carbon dioxide. This reaction results in the release of carbon dioxide instead of fixing it into sugar. As the process unfolds, it leads to a wasteful cycle that decreases the overall efficiency of photosynthesis, particularly under conditions where oxygen levels are high or carbon dioxide concentrations are low.

During photorespiration, the formation of a two-carbon compound leads to the release of carbon dioxide, ultimately reducing the amount of carbon that can be used to synthesize sugars. Therefore, the correct answer illustrates how photorespiration negatively impacts the carbon fixation process essential for plant growth and energy production.