photorespiration

noun

pho·​to·​res·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌfō-tō-ˌre-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce photorespiration (audio)
: a light-dependent process in some plants resulting in the oxidation of glycolic acid and release of carbon dioxide that under some environmental conditions (such as high temperature) tends to inhibit photosynthesis

Examples of photorespiration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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But, higher temperatures promote the formation of toxic compounds through photorespiration. Amanda Cavanagh, Discover Magazine, 4 Jan. 2019 These direct manipulations of photorespiration are crucial targets for future crop improvement. Amanda Cavanagh, Discover Magazine, 4 Jan. 2019 Another strategy has been to modify natural photorespiration and speed up the recycling. Amanda Cavanagh, Discover Magazine, 4 Jan. 2019 This arrangement keeps the enzyme surrounded by CO2 and away from oxygen, thus minimizing wasteful photorespiration. Kurt Kleiner, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Nov. 2022 These new methods of photorespiration use alternate sets of promoters and genes, allowing plants to achieve the same results while expending far less energy. David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, 4 Jan. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of photorespiration was in 1945

Dictionary Entries Near photorespiration

Cite this Entry

“Photorespiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photorespiration. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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