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Multiple Choice
Why is it necessary for six molecules of CO$_2$ to enter the chloroplast during photosynthesis?
A
Because six CO$_2$ molecules are required to synthesize one molecule of glucose (C$_6$H$_{12}$O$_6$).
B
Because six CO$_2$ molecules are required to initiate the light-dependent reactions.
C
Because each CO$_2$ molecule produces one ATP molecule during the Calvin cycle.
D
Because six CO$_2$ molecules are needed to generate six molecules of oxygen gas.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the process of photosynthesis, which consists of two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions). The Calvin cycle is responsible for synthesizing glucose (C$_6$H$_{12}$O$_6$) using carbon dioxide (CO$_2$).
Step 2: Recall the chemical formula for glucose: C$_6$H$_{12}$O$_6$. This molecule contains six carbon atoms, which must come from six molecules of CO$_2$. Each CO$_2$ molecule contributes one carbon atom to the glucose molecule.
Step 3: Understand that the Calvin cycle operates in a series of steps where CO$_2$ is fixed into organic molecules. Specifically, six CO$_2$ molecules are required to complete the cycle and produce one molecule of glucose.
Step 4: Clarify that the light-dependent reactions do not directly use CO$_2$. Instead, they generate ATP and NADPH, which are energy carriers used in the Calvin cycle to drive the synthesis of glucose from CO$_2$.
Step 5: Note that oxygen gas (O$_2$) is produced during the light-dependent reactions as a byproduct of splitting water (H$_2$O), not from CO$_2$. Therefore, the six CO$_2$ molecules are not involved in generating oxygen gas.