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Multiple Choice
Which compound provides the reducing power for the Calvin cycle reactions?
A
ATP
B
FADH_2
C
NADH
D
NADPH
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 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 energy and reducing power to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.
Step 2: Identify the role of reducing power in the Calvin cycle. Reducing power refers to the ability to donate electrons during chemical reactions, which is essential for the reduction of 3-phosphoglycerate into glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate in the Calvin cycle.
Step 3: Recall the molecules involved in providing reducing power. ATP provides energy but does not donate electrons. FADH₂ and NADH are electron carriers used in cellular respiration, not photosynthesis.
Step 4: Focus on NADPH. NADPH is specifically produced during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis and serves as the primary electron donor in the Calvin cycle, enabling the reduction of carbon compounds.
Step 5: Conclude that NADPH is the compound providing reducing power for the Calvin cycle reactions, as it directly participates in the reduction steps of the cycle.