The enzyme ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) normally adds carbon dioxide to ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate. However, it will also catalyze a competing reaction in which O2 is added to ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate to form 3-phosphoglycerate and phosphoglycolate. Assume that phosphoglycolate is a compound that cannot be used in any further reactions. If O2 and CO2 have the same affinity for Rubisco, which of the following is the lowest ratio of CO2 to O2 at which a net synthesis of sugar can occur?
(a) 1:3
(b) 1:2
(c) 3:1
(d) 2:1
This is not a multiple choice question. Pick one ratio and explain it and your reasoning in the answer box below