Question

The production of phosphoglycolate could lead to a reduction in the rate of photosynthesis. Explain how. (3)

a) Phosphoglycolate enhances the rate of photosynthesis.
b) Phosphoglycolate has no impact on photosynthesis.
c) Phosphoglycolate is a competitive inhibitor of carbon dioxide fixation, leading to a reduced rate of photosynthesis.
d) Phosphoglycolate is an essential component of the light-independent reaction, increasing the rate of photosynthesis.

Answer 1

Phosphoglycolate is a competitive inhibitor of carbon dioxide fixation, leading to a reduced rate of photosynthesis in plants.

Step-by-step explanation:

Phosphoglycolate is a competitive inhibitor of carbon dioxide fixation in photosynthesis, which leads to a reduced rate of photosynthesis. When phosphoglycolate is formed instead of a normal product in the Calvin cycle, it needs to be converted back into a usable molecule. This process consumes energy and reduces the efficiency of photosynthesis.