At what temperatures is Rubisco more likely to bind to CO2?

Rubisco is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis by catalyzing the reaction between carbon dioxide (CO2) and ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP). The efficiency of Rubisco in binding to CO2 is significantly influenced by temperature.

At lower temperatures, the kinetic energy of molecules decreases, which can slow down the reaction rates. However, Rubisco's structure is such that it is more functionally optimal at moderate to slightly lower temperatures compared to excessively high temperatures. While the enzyme can function across a range of temperatures, it is at lower temperatures that it is less likely to experience inhibition or denaturation, which can occur at high temperatures. Additionally, CO2 concentrations are typically more favorable for binding at lower temperatures where the competition with oxygen (O2) for binding sites is minimized due to lower respiration rates.

While moderate temperatures might seem like a suitable option, the distinct clarity of Rubisco’s preference leans slightly towards the binding efficiency in cooler conditions. In terms of enzyme activity and the potential for photorespiration to occur, lower temperatures generally reduce the risk of oxygen interference with CO2 binding at the active site.

Therefore, the conditions at lower temperatures favor Rubisco's ability to effectively bind to CO