Question

If the gene encoding the enzyme rubisco is mutated such that it is non-functional, the process that would be affected is

A. the ability to make ATP.
B. the ability to harvest photons.
C. the ability to fix carbon.
D. the ability to make O2.
E. The ability to make NADPH.

Answer 1

If the gene encoding the enzyme rubisco is mutated and non-functional, it would affect the process of carbon fixation in photosynthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gene encoding the enzyme rubisco plays a crucial role in the process of carbon fixation, which is part of the light-independent reactions in photosynthesis. The enzyme catalyzes the addition of carbon dioxide (CO₂) to a molecule called ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP), resulting in the formation of 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA). This step is essential for the production of carbohydrate molecules.

If the gene encoding rubisco is mutated and non-functional, the ability to fix carbon dioxide would be affected. This would disrupt the Calvin cycle and hinder the formation of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P), which is the precursor to carbohydrate synthesis.