RuBisCO (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase)

RuBisCO is an enzyme found in plants, algae, and some bacteria that plays a critical role in photosynthesis. It helps convert carbon dioxide from the air into organic molecules by attaching it to a sugar called ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP). This process forms simple three-carbon compounds that eventually become sugars and other nutrients the plant needs to grow. RuBisCO is considered the most abundant protein on Earth because it’s essential for capturing carbon dioxide, fueling life on land and in oceans. Despite its importance, it is relatively slow and can mistakenly react with oxygen, which can reduce its efficiency.