Comments on the Role of Photosynthesis in the Global Redox CarbonCycle

Abstract

However, "global photosynthesis" has the same features that characterize a normal photosynthesis. It consists of two reciprocal processes of CO2 assimilation and photorespiration. The strengthening of one of them is accompanied by the weakening of the other. The effect of each of the processes on the total biomass growth is opposite and depends on the concentration ratio of the CO2 and O2 in the environment. The increase of CO2 concentration enhances the CO2 assimilation and supplies the total biomass growth whereas the increase in oxygen concentration stimulates photorespiration and reduces the total biomass.