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Multiple Choice
Photosynthesizing organisms absorb carbon in order to ________.
A
generate ATP through glycolysis
B
release oxygen during cellular respiration
C
produce glucose during the Calvin cycle
D
break down proteins for energy
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context: Photosynthesizing organisms, such as plants, algae, and some bacteria, use carbon dioxide (CO₂) during the process of photosynthesis to produce energy-rich organic molecules.
Recall the two main stages of photosynthesis: (1) the light-dependent reactions, which capture light energy to produce ATP and NADPH, and (2) the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions), which uses ATP, NADPH, and CO₂ to synthesize glucose.
Focus on the Calvin cycle: This cycle occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts and is responsible for fixing carbon dioxide into organic molecules, ultimately producing glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆).
Eliminate incorrect options: (a) Glycolysis is part of cellular respiration, not photosynthesis. (b) Oxygen is released during the light-dependent reactions, not cellular respiration. (d) Breaking down proteins for energy is unrelated to photosynthesis.
Conclude that the correct answer is: Photosynthesizing organisms absorb carbon to produce glucose during the Calvin cycle, which is the primary purpose of carbon fixation in photosynthesis.