So when photosynthesis is "inefficient" after billions years of evolution, surely we would be more careful with the conclusions.
"Photosynthesis is only 1% efficient" sounds a bit like "we only use 10% of our brain" (according to some measurement).
> Photorespiration wastes little energy and instead enhances nitrate assimilation, the process that converts nitrate from the soil into protein, according to a new study.
> Most plants, contrary to popular belief, do not waste over 30% of their photosynthate in a futile cycle called photorespiration. Rather, the photorespiratory pathway generates additional malate in the chloroplast that empowers many energy-intensive chemical reactions, such as those involved in nitrate assimilation. Thus, the balance between carbon fixation and photorespiration determines the plant carbon–nitrogen balance and protein concentrations.