Abstract

An Appraisal of Existing and Additional Strategies for Enhancing Photosynthetic CO2 Fixation and Elimination of Oxygenase Activity in Rubisco

Author(s): Adhikarla S Rao

Researchers need to understand the function of Rubisco as a storage protein, in addition to its enzymatic function, and the same has been emphasized. New speculative strategies suggested aims to complement/accelerate the existing strategies. Accordingly, a study of Rubisco and other enzyme sequences viz; oxygenases, oxidases, other carboxylases and oxygen/CO2 carrying hemoglobins have been emphasized. Further, the approach of cloning of relevant genes in chloroplasts is suggested which obviates the need for creating Kranz anatomy. Though achieving the ultimate goal is of a long term nature speculative/ theoretical strategies suggested will in the short term advance our current understanding of plant metabolism particularly in relation to photosynthesis and photorespiratory pathways and also of manipulating other pathways/enzymes in desired ways.