During photorespiration, 25% of the carbon is lost in

Options

A. chloroplast
B. mitochondria
C. peroxisome
D. nucleus

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Photorespiration:**
- Photorespiration is a process that occurs in C3 plants, where oxygen is taken up and carbon dioxide is released. This process is considered wasteful because it results in the loss of fixed carbon.

2. **Role of Rubisco:**
- The enzyme Rubisco (Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) plays a crucial role in carbon fixation during photosynthesis. However, under certain conditions (like high oxygen and low carbon dioxide), Rubisco can catalyze a reaction with oxygen instead of carbon dioxide.

3. **Carbon Loss in Photorespiration:**
- During photorespiration, a significant amount of carbon is lost. Specifically, it is noted that 25% of the carbon is lost during this process.

4. **Involvement of Organelles:**
- The process of photorespiration involves three main organelles: chloroplasts, peroxisomes, and mitochondria.
- Chloroplasts are involved in the initial steps of photosynthesis, peroxisomes help in the conversion of glycolate (a byproduct of photorespiration), and mitochondria are involved in the release of carbon dioxide.

5. **Conclusion:**
- The carbon loss during photorespiration primarily occurs in the mitochondria, where carbon dioxide is released. Therefore, during photorespiration, 25% of the carbon is lost in the mitochondria.

**Final Answer:**
During photorespiration, 25% of the carbon is lost in the mitochondria.

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