What conditions enable RuBisCO to function as an oxygenase ? Explain the ensuing process.

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding RuBisCO**: RuBisCO (Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) is a crucial enzyme in the process of photosynthesis. It plays a dual role as both a carboxylase and an oxygenase.

2. **Conditions for Oxygenase Activity**: RuBisCO functions as an oxygenase primarily under conditions of high oxygen concentration and low carbon dioxide concentration. When the concentration of oxygen in the leaf environment increases, RuBisCO is more likely to bind with oxygen (O2) instead of carbon dioxide (CO2).

3. **Binding with Oxygen**: When RuBisCO binds with O2, it catalyzes a reaction that incorporates oxygen into ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP), leading to the formation of a 2-carbon compound (phosphoglycolate) instead of the usual 3-carbon compound (3-phosphoglycerate) that results from carboxylation.

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