Photorespiration

Photorespiration is a process in plants where the enzyme RuBisCO, which normally helps fix carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, mistakenly reacts with oxygen instead. This results in a rare and wasteful pathway that consumes energy and releases some fixed carbon, reducing the plant’s efficiency in producing sugars. It often happens in hot, dry conditions when plants close their stomata to conserve water, limiting carbon dioxide intake. Although it can decrease growth, photorespiration also helps protect the plant from damage caused by excess oxygen and light.