True or False:RUBISCO only binds to CO 2 .

Okay. This is a true or false question, and it says Ruvisco only binds to carbon dioxide. What do you think? Is that true, or is that false? So the answer to this question is b, false. Rubisco can bind to c o two, but it also can bind to o two. Unfortunately, when it does bind to o two, this is a very, energetically unfavorable reaction. And so the cell does not want Rubisco binding to oxygen. It wants it binding to c02. So there's a lot of different ways that cells have to prevent Rubisco from binding to oxygen and instead binding to CO2. So with that, let's move on.

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1. Overview of Cell Biology2h 49m
2. Chemical Components of Cells1h 14m
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12. Photosynthesis

Light Independent Reactions

Cell Biology

12. Photosynthesis

Light Independent Reactions

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Multiple Choice

True or False:RUBISCO only binds to CO₂.

True

False

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of RUBISCO: Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RUBISCO) is an enzyme involved in the first major step of carbon fixation in the Calvin cycle of photosynthesis.

Recognize the dual function of RUBISCO: It can catalyze the reaction of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) with either carbon dioxide (CO2) or oxygen (O2).

Identify the two reactions: When RUBISCO binds to CO2, it facilitates the carboxylation reaction, leading to the production of two molecules of 3-phosphoglycerate. When it binds to O2, it facilitates the oxygenation reaction, leading to the production of one molecule of 3-phosphoglycerate and one molecule of 2-phosphoglycolate.

Consider the implications of RUBISCO's dual activity: The ability to bind both CO2 and O2 means that RUBISCO is not specific to CO2 alone, which is a key point in understanding its function in photosynthesis and photorespiration.

Conclude the analysis: Based on the dual binding capability of RUBISCO, the statement 'RUBISCO only binds to CO2' is false, as it also binds to O2.