Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which two products of the light reactions are utilized in the Calvin cycle?
A
ATP and NADPH
B
FADH$_2$ and pyruvate
C
CO$_2$ and glucose
D
O$_2$ and H$_2$O
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the light reactions of photosynthesis. These occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts and involve the conversion of light energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.
Step 2: Recall that the Calvin cycle, also known as the light-independent reactions, occurs in the stroma of the chloroplast. It uses ATP and NADPH produced during the light reactions to drive the synthesis of glucose from CO$_2$.
Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options by analyzing their relevance to the Calvin cycle. For example, FADH$_2$ and pyruvate are not products of the light reactions, and CO$_2$ and glucose are outputs of the Calvin cycle, not inputs.
Step 4: Consider the role of O$_2$ and H$_2$O. While O$_2$ is a byproduct of the light reactions and H$_2$O is a reactant, neither is directly utilized in the Calvin cycle.
Step 5: Conclude that ATP and NADPH are the correct products of the light reactions that are utilized in the Calvin cycle, as they provide the energy and reducing power needed for carbon fixation and sugar synthesis.