Biochemists studied RuBisCO enzyme under different conditions:
Condition 1: \(25^\circ C\), high \(CO_2\)(1000 ppm), low \(O_2\)(2%)
- Carboxylase activity: High
- Oxygenase activity: Very low
- Net photosynthesis: Maximum
Condition 2: \(35^\circ C\), low \(CO_2\)(200 ppm), high \(O_2\)(21%)
- Carboxylase activity: Moderate
- Oxygenase activity: High
- Net photosynthesis: Significantly reduced
Condition 3: \(35^\circ C\), high \(CO_2\)(1000 ppm), high \(O_2\)(21%)
- Carboxylase activity: High
- Oxygenase activity: Moderate
- Net photosynthesis: Good
Based on these results, what is the most critical factor determining RuBisCO's efficiency in photosynthesis?
1. Only temperature determines enzyme efficiency; high temperature always reduces net photosynthesis
2. \(CO_2/O_2\) ratio at active site determines carboxylase v/s oxygenase activity; both compete for binding
3. Oxygen conc. alone determines photorespiration rate; \(CO_2\) levels have no impact on enzyme specificity
4. RuBisCO activity depends only on enzyme conc.; substrate availability plays no regulatory role