an organic molecule, typically a protein, that catalyses (speeds up) specific reactions
Rubisco
a pivotal enzyme involved in initial carbon fixation during the light-independent stage of photosynthesis
carbon fixation
the process in living organisms where inorganic carbon, typically within carbon dioxide, is converted into organic compounds such as glucose. Carbon fixation is a central part of the light-independent stage of photosynthesis
inorganic
a compound that does not contain a carbon-hydrogen bond, e.g. carbon dioxide
organic
a compound containing a carbon-hydrogen bond, e.g. glucose
substrate
the reactant of a reaction catalysed by an enzyme
photorespiration
a wasteful process in plants initiated by Rubisco that limits photosynthesis
affinity
the tendency of a molecule/atom to bind or react with another molecule/atom
C3 plants
plants with no evolved adaptation to minimise photorespiration
C4 plants
plants that minimise photorespiration by separating initial carbon fixation and the remainder of the Calvin Cycle over space
bundle-sheath cell
a plant cell type that is he site of most of the Calvin Cycle in C4 plants
CAM plants
plants that minimise photorespiration by separation initial carbon fixation and the remainder of the Calvin cycle over time
