The oxygenase activity of the RuBP carboxylase (which is the basis of
photorespiration) is manifested only when the intracellular CO2 levels are
lower than the O2 levels. In CAM plants, the decarboxylation of malate
maintains high CO2 levels that are enough to minimize the RuBP oxygenase
activity (and therby photorespiration).
Subbaiah Chalivendra
Subbaiah Chalivendra
S-27 Turner Hall
Dept Agronomy, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave (phone: 333-9743)
2034 S. Orchard st, #C (phone 367-8834)
