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Multiple Choice
Which of the following processes occurs during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?
A
Photolysis of water to produce oxygen
B
Reduction of 3-phosphoglycerate to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate
C
Regeneration of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP)
D
Fixation of carbon dioxide into glucose
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. These reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts and require light energy to drive the process.
Step 2: Recognize the key events of the light-dependent reactions. These include the absorption of light by chlorophyll, the generation of ATP and NADPH, and the splitting of water molecules (photolysis) to produce oxygen.
Step 3: Analyze the options provided. The photolysis of water to produce oxygen is a hallmark of the light-dependent reactions, as it provides electrons to replace those lost by chlorophyll in Photosystem II.
Step 4: Understand why the other options are incorrect. Reduction of 3-phosphoglycerate to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, regeneration of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP), and fixation of carbon dioxide into glucose occur during the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle), not the light-dependent reactions.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct process occurring during the light-dependent reactions is the photolysis of water to produce oxygen, as this is directly tied to the energy conversion and electron transport chain in photosynthesis.