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Multiple Choice
Of the following, which occurs during the Calvin cycle?
A
Splitting of water to release oxygen
B
Generation of ATP via chemiosmosis
C
Absorption of light by chlorophyll
D
Carbon fixation to produce glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the Calvin cycle: The Calvin cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the stroma of chloroplasts during photosynthesis. It is also known as the light-independent reactions because it does not directly require light to proceed.
Identify the main purpose of the Calvin cycle: The primary function of the Calvin cycle is to fix carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and convert it into organic molecules, such as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P), which can be used to form glucose and other carbohydrates.
Recognize the key steps in the Calvin cycle: The Calvin cycle consists of three main phases: (1) Carbon fixation, where CO₂ is attached to ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) by the enzyme RuBisCO; (2) Reduction, where ATP and NADPH are used to convert 3-phosphoglycerate into G3P; and (3) Regeneration, where RuBP is regenerated to continue the cycle.
Clarify why the other options are incorrect: Splitting of water to release oxygen occurs during the light-dependent reactions, not the Calvin cycle. Generation of ATP via chemiosmosis also happens during the light-dependent reactions. Absorption of light by chlorophyll is part of the light-dependent reactions as well.
Conclude with the correct answer: Carbon fixation to produce glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P) is the correct answer because it is a key process that occurs during the Calvin cycle, enabling the synthesis of organic molecules from CO₂.