Question

Is photorespiration the opposite of photosynthesis?

Answer 1

Photorespiration and photosynthesis:

1. Photorespiration is the process where the oxygenation of RuBP (ribulose bisphosphate) occurs by the enzyme Rubisco (Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) in presence of light is known as photorespiration.
2. Whereas photosynthesis is the process of production of glucose by harnessing the sunlight using chlorophyll.
3. Hence, yes photorespiration is the reverse of photosynthesis as in photorespiration, oxidation of CO₂ occurs by the addition of O₂ whereas in photosynthesis the CO₂ is reduced to carbohydrate glucose.