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Ch. 5 - Life in the Greenhouse
Belk, Maier - Biology: Science for Life 6th Edition
Belk, Maier6th EditionBiology: Science for LifeISBN: 9780135214084Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBelk, Maier 6th EditionCh. 5 - Life in the GreenhouseProblem 9
Chapter 5, Problem 9

Photorespiration occurs ________.
a. Under hot and dry conditions.
b. When oxygen is incorporated in the first step of the light-independent reactions.
c. When carbon dioxide levels are high inside the plant.
d. A and B are correct.
e. A, B, and C are correct.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of photorespiration. Photorespiration is a process that occurs in plants when the enzyme RuBisCO incorporates oxygen (O₂) instead of carbon dioxide (CO₂) during the Calvin cycle, leading to a less efficient production of sugars.
Step 2: Analyze the environmental conditions that favor photorespiration. Photorespiration typically occurs under hot and dry conditions because plants close their stomata to conserve water, reducing CO₂ levels and increasing O₂ levels inside the leaf.
Step 3: Examine the role of RuBisCO in photorespiration. RuBisCO can bind to either CO₂ or O₂. When CO₂ levels are low and O₂ levels are high, RuBisCO is more likely to incorporate O₂, initiating photorespiration.
Step 4: Evaluate the options provided in the question. Option (a) mentions hot and dry conditions, which are correct. Option (b) refers to oxygen being incorporated in the first step of the light-independent reactions, which is also correct. Option (c) mentions high CO₂ levels, which would actually reduce photorespiration, making it incorrect.
Step 5: Combine the correct options. Based on the analysis, both (a) and (b) are correct, making the correct answer 'd. A and B are correct.'

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Photorespiration

Photorespiration is a metabolic process in plants that occurs when the enzyme RuBisCO fixes oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, leading to a wasteful pathway that reduces the efficiency of photosynthesis. This process is more likely to happen under conditions of high temperature and low carbon dioxide availability, which can occur during hot and dry weather.
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Photorespiration

Light-Independent Reactions

The light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle, are a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the stroma of chloroplasts, where carbon dioxide is fixed into organic molecules. While these reactions primarily utilize carbon dioxide, photorespiration can occur when oxygen is mistakenly incorporated, leading to a decrease in the overall efficiency of photosynthesis.
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Environmental Conditions Affecting Photosynthesis

Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration significantly influence the rate of photosynthesis and the occurrence of photorespiration. Under hot and dry conditions, stomata close to conserve water, which can lead to increased oxygen levels and decreased carbon dioxide levels inside the plant, promoting photorespiration.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Which of the following does not occur during the light reactions of photosynthesis?

a. Water is released.

b. Electrons from chlorophyll are moved to a higher-energy state by light.

c. ATP is produced.

d. NADPH is produced to carry electrons to the light-independent reactions.

e. Oxygen is produced when water is split.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following is a false statement about photosynthesis?

a. During the light-independent reactions, electrons and ATP from the light reactions combine with atmospheric carbon dioxide to produce sugars.

b. The light-independent reactions take place in the chloroplast stroma.

c. Oxygen produced during the light-independent reactions is released into the atmosphere.

d. Chlorophyll absorbs blue and red light and reflects green light.

e. The end product of photosynthesis is a carbohydrate such as glucose.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following human activities generates the most carbon dioxide?

a. Driving

b. Cooking

c. Bathing

d. Using aerosol sprays

Textbook Question

Select the true statement regarding metabolism in plant and animal cells.

a. Plant and animal cells both perform photosynthesis and aerobic respiration.

b. Animal cells perform aerobic respiration only, and plant cells perform photosynthesis only.

c. Plant cells perform aerobic respiration only, and animal cells perform photosynthesis only.

d. Plant cells perform cellular respiration and photosynthesis, and animal cells perform aerobic respiration only.