Answer :
Final answer:
Rubisco is a vital enzyme in photosynthesis that adds CO2 to RuBP during the carbon fixation stage. It forms a six-carbon intermediate that quickly breaks down into two three-carbon molecules. This process is essential for the production of energy-rich compounds in plants.
Explanation:
What Does Rubisco Do?
Rubisco, or ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, is an essential enzyme in the process of photosynthesis. Its primary function occurs during the carbon fixation stage of the Calvin cycle.
Role of Rubisco
Rubisco facilitates the addition of CO2 to a five-carbon molecule, ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP). This reaction results in the formation of a six-carbon intermediate that is unstable and quickly breaks down into two three-carbon molecules known as 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA). Hence, the correct answer to the question is:
- d. adds CO2 to RuBP in the carbon fixation stage
Although Rubisco plays a crucial role in carbon fixation, it does not reduce CO2 to G3P (a process occurring later in the cycle), regenerate RuBP with ATP (which is part of the regeneration phase), combine electrons to produce NADPH (this is done in the light reactions), or transfer electrons to G3P (conducted by other enzymes). Therefore, understanding the specific function of Rubisco is key to grasping its importance in photosynthesis and the broader significance of carbon fixation in the ecosystem.
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