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Multiple Choice
At which stage of the Calvin cycle is glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P) removed to be used in the synthesis of carbohydrates?
A
Only after the entire cycle has completed six full turns
B
After the reduction phase, when some G3P molecules are produced
C
At the start of the regeneration phase, before RuBP is reformed
D
During the carbon fixation phase, immediately after CO$_2$ is incorporated
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the Calvin cycle, which is the process plants use to fix carbon dioxide (CO$_2$) into organic molecules. It consists of three main phases: carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration.
Step 2: Recall that glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P) is a 3-carbon sugar molecule produced during the reduction phase of the Calvin cycle. This phase involves the conversion of 3-phosphoglycerate into G3P using ATP and NADPH.
Step 3: Note that after the reduction phase, some G3P molecules are removed from the cycle to be used in the synthesis of carbohydrates, such as glucose and starch. This occurs before the regeneration phase begins.
Step 4: Understand that the regeneration phase is responsible for reforming ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP), which is necessary for the cycle to continue. G3P is not removed during this phase.
Step 5: Clarify that G3P is not removed during the carbon fixation phase either, as this phase involves the incorporation of CO$_2$ into RuBP to form 3-phosphoglycerate, which precedes the reduction phase.