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Homework Help: Photosynthesis problem

  1. Sep 30, 2008 #1
    Suppose that a competitive inhibitor of rubisco is introduced into chloroplasts. Which of the following statements is a logical consequence:
    (a) The light reactions will slow down, since electron carriers will be scarce.
    (b) The light reactions will speed up to drive the Calvin cycle forward.
    (c) Photorespiration will occur in the chloroplasts.
    (d) The light reactions will slow down, since O2 will be scarce.
    (e) The Calvin Cycle will remain unaffected.

    2. Relevant equations

    3. The attempt at a solution
    At first I thought competitive inhibition would slow down the process of photosynthesis significantly, but now I am not sure. Even so, the answer can either be (a) or (d). Help please! Thank you
  2. jcsd
  3. Oct 8, 2008 #2


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    What is ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase's role in the chloroplast? Is it an electron carrier or does it modulate the concentration of an electron carrier? Do light reactions speed up in the presence of O2 or slow down in the absence of O2?