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Multiple Choice
2. At the end of the Calvin cycle, which molecule is primarily produced and can be used to synthesize glucose and other carbohydrates?
A
Pyruvate
B
Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P)
C
NADPH
D
ATP
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 uses ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide into organic molecules.
Identify the main product of the Calvin cycle: The primary molecule produced at the end of the Calvin cycle is glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P), a three-carbon sugar that serves as a precursor for glucose and other carbohydrates.
Clarify the role of G3P: G3P can be used to synthesize glucose through additional enzymatic reactions or can be converted into other carbohydrates, lipids, or amino acids depending on the plant's metabolic needs.
Eliminate incorrect options: Pyruvate is involved in cellular respiration, not photosynthesis. ATP and NADPH are energy carriers used during the Calvin cycle but are not the final product.
Summarize the process: The Calvin cycle fixes carbon dioxide into organic molecules, ultimately producing G3P, which is the key molecule for synthesizing glucose and other carbohydrates.