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Multiple Choice
The Calvin cycle is a series of reactions that _____.
A
break down glucose to release energy
B
convert carbon dioxide into glucose using ATP and NADPH
C
produce oxygen as a byproduct of water splitting
D
generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the Calvin cycle: The Calvin cycle is part of photosynthesis and occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts. It is a light-independent reaction that uses energy from ATP and NADPH, produced during the light-dependent reactions, to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.
Step 1: Recognize that the Calvin cycle does not break down glucose to release energy. Instead, it synthesizes glucose from carbon dioxide. Breaking down glucose occurs in cellular respiration, not photosynthesis.
Step 2: Note that the Calvin cycle does not produce oxygen as a byproduct. Oxygen is released during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis when water is split by the enzyme photosystem II.
Step 3: Understand that the Calvin cycle does not generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. ATP is generated during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis via photophosphorylation, not oxidative phosphorylation.
Step 4: Conclude that the correct description of the Calvin cycle is that it converts carbon dioxide into glucose using ATP and NADPH. This process is essential for synthesizing organic molecules that serve as energy sources for plants and other organisms.