What occurs during photorespiration?

During photorespiration, the enzyme rubisco, which is primarily responsible for fixing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, can also react with oxygen. This process occurs when the concentration of oxygen is high or carbon dioxide is low, leading to the fixation of oxygen instead of carbon dioxide. The result is a series of reactions that ultimately consumes energy and releases carbon dioxide, which is counterproductive to the plant's energy-making process.

This phenomenon is particularly prominent in C3 plants, where rubisco's dual activity can lead to a significant loss of carbon and reduced efficiency in photosynthesis. Understanding that rubisco can interact with both CO2 and O2 helps clarify why the plant's process becomes less efficient under certain conditions, emphasizing the importance of environmental factors on plant respiration and photosynthesis strategies.