What is the full name of Rubisco?

The full name of Rubisco is Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. Rubisco stands for a single enzyme that can add carbon dioxide or oxygen to a sugar called ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate.

Rubisco is a large enzyme in plant leaves, algae, and many bacteria. It helps start the process that turns carbon dioxide into sugars during photosynthesis. The name tells you its job:

• Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate is the 5-carbon sugar it acts on.
• Carboxylase means it can add carbon dioxide (CO₂).
• Oxygenase means it can also add oxygen (O₂).