photorespiration
noun [ U ] biology specialized uk/ˌfəʊ.təʊ.res.pɪˈreɪ.ʃən/ us/ˌfoʊ.t̬oʊ.res.pəˈreɪ.ʃən/
（植物的）光呼吸作用
the process by which a plant takes oxygen from the light of the sun and produces carbon dioxide
Without photorespiration, the plant struggles for nourishment. 如果没有光呼吸作用，这种植物难以获得养分。
Photorespiration happens because the enzyme that powers photosynthesis has trouble distinguishing between carbon dioxide and oxygen molecules. 发生光呼吸作用的原因是驱动光合作用的酶在识别二氧化碳和氧分子上出现了障碍。
Compare: photosynthesis
- More examples
- In photorespiration, plants take up oxygen and release carbon dioxide without making food.
- The chemical reactions, collectively called photorespiration, may explain why some plants don't fare well under global warming.
- Scientists have been trying to genetically engineer plants with a better ability to discriminate between oxygen and carbon dioxide, thereby suppressing photorespiration.