5B - Rubisco in C3, C4 and CAM Photosynthesis Flashcards
Rubisco
A pivotal enzyme involved in initial carbon fixation during the light-independent stage of photosynthesis.
carbon fixation
The process in living organisms where inorganic carbon, typically within carbon dioxide, is converted into organic compounds such as glucose. Carbon fixation is a central part of the light-independent stage of photosynthesis.
inorganic
A compound that does not contain a carbon-hydrogen bond, e.g. carbon dioxide.
organic
A compound containing a carbon-hydrogen bond, e.g. glucose.
photorespiration
A wasteful process in plants initiated by Rubisco that limits photosynthesis.
affinity
The tendency of a molecule/ atom to bind or react with another molecule/ atom.
C3 plants
Plants with no evolved adaption to minimise photorespiration.
C4 plants
Plants that minimise photorespiration by separating initial carbon fixation and the remainder of the Calvin cycle over space.
bundle-sheath cell
A plant cell type that is the site of most of the Calvin cycle in C4 plants.
CAM plants
Plants that minimise photorespiration by separating initial carbon fixation and the remainder of the Calvin cycle over time.