CAS: 9027-23-0

D-Ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase, commonly known as RuBisCO, is an essential enzyme that catalyzes the first major step of carbon fixation, a process by which inorganic carbon from the atmosphere is converted into organic molecules. This enzyme is derived from spinach, a common model organism used in plant biology research due to its accessibility and well-characterized photosynthetic pathways. RuBisCO operates by catalyzing the reaction of carbon dioxide with ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) to form two molecules of 3-phosphoglycerate. This reaction constitutes a crucial part of the Calvin cycle, which takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells. As the most abundant protein on Earth, RuBisCO plays a critical role in the conversion of carbon dioxide into organic compounds, ultimately supporting the food chain through its foundational role in photosynthesis. Given its pivotal role, RuBisCO is of great interest in studies involving photosynthetic efficiency, plant biochemistry, and strategies to enhance crop yield. Researchers often explore its structural properties, kinetics, and potential for genetic engineering to improve its catalytic efficiency to meet global food demands and address climate change challenges.