NEET2025BotanyPhotosynthesis in Higher PlantsActual
Which of the following statements about RuBisCO is true?
Options
- AIt is active only in the dark
- BIt has higher affinity for oxygen than carbon dioxide
- CIt is an enzyme involved in the photolysis of water
- DIt catalyzes the carboxylation of RuBP
Correct answer
D. It catalyzes the carboxylation of RuBP
Step-by-step solution
Carboxylation is the most crucial step of the Calvin cycle where CO ₂ is utilised for the carboxylation of RuBP. This reaction is catalysed by enzyme RuBP carboxylase. Since this enzyme also has an oxygenase activity, RuBisCO has higher affinity for carbon dioxide than oxygen.