Question

RUBISCO CO acts as

• A. Carbonylase
• B. Oxygenase
• C. Both Carbonylase \& Oxygenase
• D.

Hint:

RUBISCO's dual functionality is critical in balancing photosynthesis and photorespiration. Understanding its roles in both carboxylation and oxygenation is essential for studying plant metabolism.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

RUBISCO (Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) is an enzyme found in the chloroplasts of plants, which plays a critical role in the process of photosynthesis.

It catalyzes two key reactions:

1. Carboxylation: RUBISCO acts as a carbonylase when it adds carbon dioxide (CO₂) to ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) in the Calvin cycle, which is the primary carbon fixation pathway in plants.
2. Oxygenation: RUBISCO also acts as an oxygenase when it reacts with oxygen (O₂) instead of carbon dioxide, leading to a process known as photorespiration. This process can be less efficient in terms of carbon fixation.

Thus, RUBISCO can function as both a carbonylase and an oxygenase, depending on the presence of CO2 or O₂ in the environment.