Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

9. Photosynthesis

Calvin Cycle

General Biology

9. Photosynthesis

Calvin Cycle

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes what happens during the Calvin cycle of photosynthesis?

Water is split to release oxygen and electrons.

Carbon dioxide is fixed into organic molecules using ATP and NADPH.

Glucose is broken down to produce ATP.

Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll to excite electrons.

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by understanding the Calvin cycle, which is the light-independent reaction of photosynthesis. It occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts and does not require light directly.

Step 2: Recognize that the Calvin cycle's primary function is carbon fixation, where carbon dioxide (CO₂) is incorporated into organic molecules. This process is catalyzed by the enzyme RuBisCO.

Step 3: Note that ATP and NADPH, produced during the light-dependent reactions, are used as energy sources in the Calvin cycle to drive the synthesis of these organic molecules.

Step 4: Understand that the Calvin cycle involves three main phases: carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration of RuBP (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate). These steps ensure the cycle continues and produces molecules like glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P), which can be used to form glucose and other carbohydrates.

Step 5: Compare the options provided in the problem. The correct description of the Calvin cycle is 'Carbon dioxide is fixed into organic molecules using ATP and NADPH,' as this accurately summarizes its role in photosynthesis.