photorespiration
UK: ˌfəʊtəʊˌrɛspɪˈreɪʃən | US: ˌfoʊtoʊˌrɛspɪˈreɪʃən
n. A metabolic process in plants where oxygen is consumed and carbon dioxide is released in light conditions, often counteracting photosynthesis.
The word "photorespiration" combines "photo-" (from Greek phōs, meaning "light") and "respiration" (from Latin respirare, meaning "to breathe"). It reflects a biological process where plants "breathe" in light conditions, contrasting with normal respiration (which occurs in darkness). The term emerged in mid-20th-century botany to describe this light-dependent, oxygen-consuming reaction that reduces photosynthetic efficiency.
Photorespiration can limit crop yields by wasting energy.
Scientists study photorespiration to improve plant productivity.
Unlike photosynthesis, photorespiration releases carbon dioxide.
Some plants evolved mechanisms to minimize photorespiration.
High temperatures often increase photorespiration rates.