RuBisCO is the protein Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase.
RuBisCO is a vital enzyme, particularly known for its role in the first major step of carbon fixation, a process by which atmospheric carbon dioxide is converted by plants and other photosynthetic organisms to energy-rich molecules such as glucose. It is considered one of the most abundant proteins on Earth due to its presence in every plant. RuBisCO's dual function as both a carboxylase and an oxygenase is significant. While its primary function is to catalyze the carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP), it can also catalyze its oxygenation. This latter reaction initiates photorespiration, a process less efficient than photosynthesis.
Because of its abundance and nutritional properties, RuBisCO is also garnering interest as a potential protein source, especially for vegetarians.
