Assertion (A): Photorespiration is considered a wasteful process in C3 plants. Reason (R): RuBisCO acts as an oxygenase, leading to the formation of phosphoglycolate and consuming ATP and NADPH without producing sugars.

5 views 0 helpful Updated Jul 29, 2026
Appears in NEET UG
Solution ✔ Verified
  • ABoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
  • BBoth A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
  • CA is true, but R is false.
  • DA is false, but R is true.
Explanation

Photorespiration is wasteful because the enzyme RuBisCO, under conditions of high O2 and low CO2, binds O2 instead of CO2 (oxygenase activity). This produces phosphoglycolate, which is recycled at the cost of ATP and NADPH, releasing CO2, but without synthesizing sugars. Thus, R correctly explains A.

Was this solution helpful?
0
Practice MCQs on Photosynthesis in Higher Plants — test yourself with instant answers. Start Practising