Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The \(C_4\) photosynthetic pathway utilizes a spatial separation of carbon capture and the Calvin cycle to suppress photorespiration.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. In the mesophyll cells of \(C_4\) plants, the primary \(\text{CO}_2\) acceptor is Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP).
2. The enzyme that catalyzes this initial carbon fixation (carboxylation) step is Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (specifically spelled as Phosphoenol pyruvic acid carboxylase, or PEP carboxylase).
3. This enzyme has a high affinity for bicarbonate ions and is not affected by oxygen, allowing \(C_4\) plants to fix carbon efficiently even under low \(\text{CO}_2\) conditions.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct option is 1, which corresponds to Phosphoenol pyruvic acid (PEP) carboxylase.